Comparative Analysis of Hausa and Zarma Traditional Marriage Culture

Abstract

Marriage, like in many other traditions, plays a vital role among the Hausa and Zarma communities. It serves as one of the most important agents of socialization and development within communities and, by extension, the nation at large. The term marriage refers to a bond or contract that legally formalizes the union of a man and a woman as husband and wife. In both communities under study, marriage is regarded as both a cultural and religious obligation. Consequently, any man or woman without a spouse is often perceived as an irresponsible member of society. Given this context, this paper seeks to comparatively examine certain aspects of marriage culture within the Hausa and Zarma communities.

The primary problem addressed in this study is that most members of the younger generation, particularly the youth, are largely unaware of the authentic traditional marriage practices of these communities, let alone the distinctions and similarities between them. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to educate younger individuals about key marriage customs practiced in the two societies. The methodology employed in this study includes library research and oral interviews. Additionally, the study applies the Cultural Comparative Theory, which provides a structured framework for analyzing the collected data. The significance of this research lies in its potential to strengthen socio-cultural understanding and foster positive relationships between the two communities.