Cameroon’s rural Muslims urged to prioritise love over materialism in marriages

As Muslims worldwide celebrated the feast of Ramadan on Wednesday, Muslim faithful in Kuvlu, a community in Cameroon’s North West Region, were told to prioritise love over material wealth in marriages.

Addressing the congregation at the Kuvlu Central Mosque, in Nkum Subdivision of Bui Division, Imam Umar Lendzele lamented the prevailing trend where marriages are arranged based solely on the financial status of potential in-laws.

He emphasised that Islamic beliefs and genuine affection should take precedence in matrimonial unions, rather than monetary considerations.

“Nowadays, when someone comes to seek a child’s hand in marriage, all that the parent asks is what type of job he does and whether it is a money-making job,” said Imam Umar Lendzele.

The Imam added that all of these are done with total disregard for Islamic beliefs and love, which are supposed to be the main principles guiding parents’ choices of spouses for their children.

Imam Umar stressed that many marriages suffer due to the absence of genuine love and “Imani” (faith in Allah) that should bind couples together.

Furthermore, the Imam cautioned parents against granting excessive freedom to their children, noting the alarming rise in wayward behaviour among youth.

“Most children are going wayward because we have decided to allow them to do whatever they like. Before a child reaches 18 years, parents no longer know where they live, which is not supposed to be so,” he said, adding that it is the parent’s right to put children to rest to curb wayward behaviour.

The concerns raised in Kuvlu echoed across neighbouring communities, including Beshi and Mbolive Nseh Takov, where similar challenges persist.

In Takov, prayers for unity and reminders of communal responsibility were interwoven with reflections on ongoing developmental initiatives.

At “Jovry,” the village council headquarters, Yusifu Mitanin, representing the Islamic village head, emphasised the importance of mutual respect and ethical conduct among residents.

He urged vigilance against negative influences and underscored the role of parental guidance in nurturing virtuous behaviour among youth.

Amidst the festivities, the backdrop of the Anglophone conflict loomed large, casting a shadow of hardship over the local population.

Despite these challenges, the spirit of unity and adherence to Islamic principles remained steadfast, offering solace and resilience in the face of adversity.

©Mimi Mefo Info