An Analysis of Divorce Issues among Muslims in the Ghanaian Society

Abstract

The principal objective of this study was to critically analyze the issue of divorce in the contemporary Ghanaian Muslim society. In this regard, a modest attempt was made towards analyzing the marriage and divorce issues of the four main Muslim sects in Ghana: the Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al-Jamā’ah, Tījāniyyah spiritual order, the Ahmadīyyah Movement and the Shī’ah Community. The study also included Christian and customary marriages and divorces and their impact on the Muslim communities. This area of research has not received sufficient scholarly attention even though Muslims constitute about 19.8% of the Ghanaian population. However, the need for it becomes evident in view of the absence of adequate literature on the subject and its negative impact on research initiatives in this direction.

The study sought to examine, among others, the root causes of the rising rate and frequency of divorce in the Ghanaian Muslim communities, the differences in divorce procedures among the above groups, and the effects of Christian doctrines, customs and traditions on the issue of divorce in the Ghanaian Muslim society. After critically examining the issue, the following observations were made: creedal differences among the Muslim sects served as a hindrance to inter-sect marriage and also as a catalyst for divorce; the exchange of rings between couples, including music and dance in Muslim marriages, were also identified as some of the influences of Christian and local customs. Five personal interviews were conducted in order to ascertain the real causes of divorce among the Muslim communities.

The results revealed the following as being some of the major causes of the rising rates of divorce: ignorance of the rules and ethics of marriage, lack of patience, lack of proper upbringing (tarbiyah), hiding the truth about oneself from the beginning, maintenance issues, economic hardship, and others. Opinion leaders and Muslim marriage counselors were encouraged to carry out more studies in this area in order to find a lasting solution to the high rate of divorce. The following research materials were employed: books, e-books, interviews, own experience, records of the Metropolitan Assemblies and other avenues relevant to this research. This modest attempt could serve as a springboard for further research in this and in other related disciplines.