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.