Broken Homes: Causes and Effects on Muslim Families in Ibadan South West Nigeria

Abstract

This research investigates the factors leading to broken homes and their consequences for Muslim families in Ibadan, Nigeria, with particular attention to the socio-economic, psychological, and educational effects on those affected, especially children. Despite the strong emphasis Islam places on family cohesion, rising levels of divorce, separation, and abandonment continue to weaken the traditional family system in many Muslim communities. The study adopts a mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative questionnaire data with qualitative interviews involving Muslim parents, adolescents, religious leaders, and social workers from selected Local Government Areas within Ibadan. Findings reveal that the primary causes of broken homes includes financial hardship, infidelity, domestic violence, inadequate communication, and misinterpretation of religious roles within marriage. The impacts on children are pronounced, ranging from poor academic performance, low self-esteem, deviant behaviour, to emotional and psychological trauma. Additionally, the studies identify a lack of organized community support systems and counseling services, which further aggravate the problems. The research reveals the urgent need for culturally and religiously tailored interventions, including premarital counseling, marital education, and community-based support initiatives grounded in Islamic values. The study adds to the growing body of literature on family instability in Nigeria and offer recommendations for stakeholders to promote family resilience and youth well-being in Muslim communities.