Assessment of Early Marriage for Girl-Child from Islamic Perspectives in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State

Abstract

This study examined the assessment of early marriage for girl-child from Islamic perspectives in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised of all parents and Islam Scholars in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State. A purposive sampling technique was used to select eighty-six (86) parents and Islam Scholars as respondents for the study. A self-designed instrument was used for the study. Simple percentages and frequency counts were used for analyzing the data. The study revealed that a greater percentage of the respondents indicated that early marriage prevents help-free sexual intercourse behaviour or immorality; early marriage is healthy and promotes chastity and early marriage provides the opportunity to build a life together, including creating a home, starting a family, and building a career together are some of the prospects of early marriage for the girl-child. The study also revealed that a greater percentage of the respondents indicated that early marriage exposes the girl-child to domestic violence at the hands of both her husband and his relations. Early child marriage undermines the freedom and rights of children to live a fulfilled life and early marriage leads to domestic violence that threatens the girl-child’s life, health, and happiness. Based on the findings of this study, the researchers recommend the need for organising regular seminars and workshops to educate and counsel people in the community about how early marriage encumbers the growth and development of a girl-child. The seminars must aim to change the people’s worldview to raise their voices against the practice among others.