150 couples solemnise their unions in joyous Muslim mass wedding

One hundred and fifty couples and their families braved the scorching sun at the Serani Sports Grounds in Mombasa to solemnise their marriages in a colourful Muslim mass wedding.

The brides wore black buibui and the bridegrooms white kanzus as their marriages were officiated.

The ground was filled with ululations after Sheikh Omar Buya conducted the ceremony on behalf of Chief Kadhi, who could not attend due to work emergency.

Before the mass wedding organised by Mama Beauty Foundation, the couples underwent premarital counselling.

This was deemed critical as most divorce cases are a result of inadequate preparation for marriage. They were also given valuable lessons on communication, conflict resolution mechanisms and patience.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko urged brides’ families to shun retrogressive cultural practices that impede marriage and reduce dowry demands due to tough economic times.

She said according to Islamic teachings, dowry is supposed to be determined by the bride, but some families have taken over the role and are demanding high bride prices.

“Expensive dowry contributes to fornications and premarital pregnancies. It’s not a must for the youths to be employed to marry. How many youths don’t have a source of income today? Does that mean they shouldn’t marry?” She asked.

The MP advised men not to rush into polygamy before ensuring the first family is well taken care of. Lubna Nassir, founder of Mama Beauty Foundation said the overarching objective of mass wedding is to reduce fornication.

She said many youth opt for come we-stay because of exorbitant bride prices and lack of knowledge on how to solemnise their marriages.

“Fornication irks God. As a foundation, we brought the couples together and educated them on the importance of wedding. The foundation conducts mass weddings one month before the start of the holy month of Ramadhan,” Nassir said.

She urged leaders and other organisations to come on board and make the solemnisation a quarterly event.