1.1 Introduction
Walima refers to the celebratory feast held after a marriage in Islamic tradition. It is an event that signifies joy, gratitude, and community support, and is often accompanied by religious teachings and guidance on marital responsibilities (Al-Qaradawi, 2018). Walima, an Islamic tradition celebrated with a communal feast following a marriage, holds significant cultural and religious importance in many Muslim communities (Saeed, 2019). This practice is not only a celebration of the union but also an opportunity for religious teachings and community engagement. The preaching associated with Walima often emphasizes the roles and responsibilities of women within the framework of Islamic teachings, providing guidance on marriage, family life, and social interaction (Al-Qaradawi, 2018). In Islamic tradition, the role of women is guided by religious texts and societal norms, which are reinforced or challenged through various practices, including Walima (Siddiqui, 2021).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Over the last few decades, there has been greater participation among women in Islamic education and knowledge, globally speaking (Liberatore 2019). Women with substantial, recognised religious education finally have access to career paths that have long been allocated to male scholars (Kalmbach 2012). As Kalmbach (2012) highlighted, this significant increase represents a main change in the structures of Islamic authority and restricts male control of religious leadership. It has also been followed by global discussions on gender equality and female empowerment that have created greater debate about Muslim women and leadership (Liberatore 2019).
The tradition of Walima has historical roots in early Islamic society, with its origins tracing back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet Muhammad's practice of hosting a feast after his marriages was not only a celebration of the union but also a means to reinforce community bonds and religious teachings (Al-Qaradawi, 2018). This practice was institutionalized as part of Islamic customs, emphasizing the importance of sharing joy and blessings with the community.
Historically, Walima served as a platform for disseminating religious and social teachings. During the early Islamic period, these gatherings were opportunities for women to learn about their roles and responsibilities in the context of their marriages and family life (Saeed, 2019). The teachings conveyed during these events often highlighted the significance of fulfilling familial duties and adhering to Islamic principles, shaping the social and religious dynamics of the time.
Walima, an important Islamic tradition, involves a celebratory feast held after a marriage, symbolizing joy and communal support (Saeed, 2019). This practice is not merely a social event but is deeply embedded in Islamic teachings and cultural practices, influencing various aspects of life in Muslim communities. Historically, Walima has been an occasion for reinforcing social bonds and religious teachings, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate significant life events (Al-Qaradawi, 2018). In Islam, the role of women is guided by religious principles derived from the Qur'an and Hadith, which shape their responsibilities and status within both the family and society (Hassan, 2020). Walima preaching, which often accompanies the event, typically focuses on reinforcing these roles, providing guidance on marital responsibilities, and emphasizing the importance of community and family life (Siddiqui, 2021). This preaching is significant as it not only celebrates the marriage but also serves as a medium for imparting religious and social values to women, shaping their roles and perceptions in their social contexts.
Religious authority, as defined by Hammer (2012a), Bano and Kalmbach (2012), can include ritual/spiritual leadership as well as the provision of religious advice. Religious authority has various sources in Muslim communities. For example, the Quran talks about scriptural authority, as Muslims believe it offers divine direction for humanity. Prophets are charismatic human authorities who have a distinctive relationship with the divine. Different forms of religious authority originated from various sources, experiences and knowledge that describe the Islamic tradition. These diverse forms of leadership have also been shaped by various traditions and cultures across centuries and geographic spaces (Jalalzai 2021).
In particular, the exclusion of women from religious authority is linked closely to the Islamic understanding of gender. The Islamic notion of gender varies based on geographical and historical contexts, but the majority of Muslim traditional scholars believe that women are prohibited from religious leadership due to their presumed deficiencies in crucial authoritative qualities such as reason and wisdom. They believe that these are qualities with which men are naturally equipped (Jalalzai 2021). Therefore, various forms of leadership should be considered as part of a broader gender equality agenda (Duderija and Rane 2019).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Impact of Walima Preaching to the Life of Women in Islam.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the study of the impact of Walima preaching on the lives of women in Islam faces several challenges. One primary issue is the variability in how Walima preaching is conducted and interpreted across different cultural and regional contexts, which complicates the assessment of its uniform impact on women (Al-Qaradawi, 2018). Additionally, there is a lack of comprehensive empirical research that quantifies the direct effects of Walima preaching on women's roles and perceptions, leaving a gap in understanding the nuanced ways in which these religious teachings influence their daily lives and social status (Saeed, 2019).
Furthermore, many issues such as a lack of specialists among women, the limitation in women's skills and efficiency, negligence of their opportunities, the misunderstanding of non-Muslims about Muslim women that they are reactionary thinkers, losing the best guidance of Muslim women to the next generation, and the decline among Muslim women in knowledge related to research. Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to examine the impact of Walima preaching to the life of women in Islam.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the impact of Walima preaching on the lives of women in Islam, focusing on how this practice influences their roles, perceptions, and social status within their communities. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To analyze the historical and contemporary practices of Walima preaching and their implications for women's roles in Islamic societies.
- To identify variations in the impact of Walima preaching across different cultural and regional contexts within the Islamic world;
- To evaluate the influence of Walima preaching on women's social status and community engagement; and
- To explore the potential challenges and limitations of Walima preaching in addressing contemporary issues faced by women in modern Islamic societies.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there significant differences in the impact of Walima preaching on women across various cultural and regional contexts within the Islamic world?
- How does Walima preaching influence women's understanding of their roles and responsibilities within Islamic family and community structures?
- In what ways does Walima preaching impact women's social status and engagement within their communities?
- What are the perceived benefits and limitations of Walima preaching from the perspectives of women who participate in these events?
- How does Walima preaching address or fail to address contemporary issues and challenges faced by women in modern Islamic societies?
1.6 Significance of Study
The findings of this research study will provide valuable insights into how Walima preaching affects women's roles and perceptions within Islamic communities, offering guidance for religious leaders on how to tailor their teachings to better address women's needs. It will also help policymakers understand the social implications of traditional practices on women's status and well-being, potentially influencing policies related to gender and family life.
Additionally, educators and scholars will benefit from a deeper understanding of how religious practices shape gender dynamics, contributing to academic research and curriculum development. Women participating in Walima preaching will gain a clearer understanding of how these practices impact their personal and social lives, leading to more informed participation in their communities.
Lastly, the broader community will benefit from enhanced dialogue and awareness about the role of traditional practices in shaping contemporary social structures and gender relations.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Impact of Walima Preaching to the Life of Women in Islam using Ngala Local Government Area in Borno State as a case study.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Delay from respondents, which affected the timeliness of data collection and analysis.
- Financial constraints also posed challenges, as securing resources for comprehensive research, including travel and participant incentives, was difficult.
- Additionally, time constraints were a major limitation, with students having to balance their research with other academic and personal responsibilities, impacting the depth and scope of the study. These factors collectively hindered the ability to conduct a thorough and timely investigation into the subject matter.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Walima:
Walima refers to the celebratory feast held after a marriage in Islamic tradition. It is an event that signifies joy, gratitude, and community support, and is often accompanied by religious teachings and guidance on marital responsibilities (Al-Qaradawi, 2018).
Preaching:
In the context of Walima, preaching involves the dissemination of religious and social teachings related to marriage and family life. It typically includes guidance on fulfilling Islamic duties and maintaining strong family and community bonds (Saeed, 2019).
Islamic Gender Roles:
Islamic gender roles refer to the traditional expectations and responsibilities assigned to men and women in Islam, as derived from religious texts and historical practices. These roles influence various aspects of social and family life (Hassan, 2020).
Social Status:
Social status in this context refers to the position and recognition of women within their community, which can be influenced by religious teachings, cultural practices, and social interactions (Siddiqui, 2021).
Cultural Context:
Cultural context encompasses the various traditions, practices, and interpretations that shape the way Walima preaching is understood and practiced in different regions and communities within the Islamic world (Saeed, 2019).
