By Amoto Ndiewo
Wajir based cleric Sheikh Athman Abdiwahab has decried the high rate of divorce amongst Muslim couples in the county which has affected the levels of education.
Abdwahab said that more than 200 divorce cases were reported last year and another 95 have so far been filed this year.
He noted that once a couple separates the family fabric is disconnected and thus not only, does the family system suffer but children can’t concentrate in school.
‘Some children end up dropping out of school all together while others cannot concentrate on school work is hugely stretched,” he said.
The Wajir based Muslim scholar explained that societal demands and pressure by families and parents were the main causes of family separations.
‘”Most people are oblivious of the Islamic education on the rule of marriage as an institution. This makes it difficult in making the right decision when approaching the otherwise noble institution of marriage,’’ he noted.
Revealing that over 70% of the Kadhi‘s court cases are related to divorce, the cleric called on Muslim scholars and clerics to engage the Muslim citizenry in creating awareness.
‘’By doing this they will protect the sanctity of the institution of marriage which should be otherwise noble,” he added
Stressing on the importance of education the scholar quoted Prophet Mohamed calling on: ‘’Muslims to go as far as china to seek education.’’
He said the married pair ought to engage in dialogue in case of a dispute which ends up breaking family life.
‘’Gift dialogue and education a chance instead of rushing to the Kadhi’s court, seeking for divorce,’’ he pleaded.
The Islamic scholar called on other Islamic leaders and parents to advise their children to uphold modesty, humility, perseverance and embrace education in marriage.
The cleric criticised parents who reject their children’s spouses because of tribe, clan, financial and educational backgrounds.
He said due to lack of basic Islamic education some parents exaggerate demands that lead to divorce which affects pupils learning in school and upsets the home fabric.
