In a bid to tackle the rising divorce rates, Shufaa Foundation held a sensitization conference in Mombasa focusing on enhancing communication among married couples. The event, which drew participants from 13 counties, emphasized the importance of effective dialogue within marriages to ensure family unity and provide stable environments for raising children.
The conference highlighted the concerning statistics from the State of the Judiciary and the Administration of Justice Annual Report (SOJAR) for the Financial Year 2022/23, which recorded 11,852 cases in Kadhis’ Courts related to personal status, including marriage and divorce.
Sheikh Omar Buya, Founder of Shufaa Foundation, underscored the initiative’s goal: “The genesis of marital conflicts often lies in a lack of marriage knowledge. By educating both married couples and unmarried youths, we aim to enhance understanding and cooperation in marriages, thereby supporting the work of Kadhis’ Courts.”
Sheikh Rishard Rajab, Principal of Sheikh Khalifa Secondary School, pointed to poor communication and failure to understand each other’s preferences as major factors leading to divorce. He encouraged couples to improve their communication skills, manage differences, and seek marriage counseling if needed. “Failure in communication is the root of all problems,” he stated, stressing that effective dialogue is crucial for resolving marital issues.
Rajab also noted the negative impact of mobile phones and social media on marriages. “Addiction to phones and unrealistic expectations influenced by social media have exacerbated conflicts. We should set aside our phones when at home to foster better communication,” he advised.
Dr. Hassan Kinyua, a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, highlighted the challenges modernization has brought to marriages, including issues related to mobile phone usage and infidelity. He recommended that couples avoid posting personal information or attractive photos on social media to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
Sheikh Zubeir Noor emphasized the value of traditional practices, such as consulting elders during marital challenges. “Respecting the institution of marriage and seeking advice from experienced individuals can help resolve issues amicably,” he said. Noor also urged Muslims to use available communication channels to strengthen marriages in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The conference concluded with a call for couples to revisit the foundational principles of communication and mutual respect to build lasting and healthy relationships.
