Perspectives on Early Marriage of Females in Northern Nigeria: A Comparative Study of Islamic and Contemporary Views

Objective: The study investigates the early marriage of females in Northern Nigeria. Early marriage is deeply rooted in cultural, religious and socio-economic contexts for young girls, and this stands in the way of their education, health and socio-economic status. Methods: A mixed-methods approach is employed in the research, which includes qualitative interviews with community leaders, young brides, and Non-Governmental Organisation personnel, as well as quantitative surveys, providing a comprehensive analysis of the practice. Result: Results show that misinterpreted Islamic teachings are frequently used to misrepresent the Islamic justification of the cultural early marriage practices that victimize young girls, causing physical and mental harm. This early marriage practice is very dangerous not only to the girl but also to create barriers to her educational opportunities, destroying her educational chances by high dropout rates and under developing her career. Young brides are prone to health risks; the most common are maternal complications and mental health challenges. In addition, early marriage exacerbates the already adverse effects, such as economic dependency and social isolation. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the vital importance of community and religious leaders playing a role in addressing this issue, provided they receive support through education and vocational training, which will serve as transformative tools.