The Practice of Islamic Marriage Rites (Nikah) and Its Compliance with Legal Requirements in Ogun State

This study examines the practice of Islamic marriage rites (Nikah) and their compliance with Nigerian legal registration requirements among Muslim communities in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. Marriage in Islam carries both religious and civil legal dimensions, yet evidence suggests that many Islamic marriages in Nigerian communities are conducted without civil registration, creating legal vulnerabilities particularly for women and children. The study adopts a descriptive survey design, with structured questionnaires administered to 240 Muslim couples and 15 marriage registrars in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, and Sagamu. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Findings show that while Nikah rites are widely practised and considered religiously binding by respondents, fewer than 40% of the sampled marriages were civilly registered. Key barriers to registration include ignorance of the legal requirements, cost implications, and a belief that religious solemnisation is sufficient. The study recommends public enlightenment campaigns in mosques, simplification of marriage registration processes, and collaboration between the National Population Commission and Muslim community leaders to promote dual registration. This research contributes to discussions on the rights of Muslim women and children and the interface between Islamic personal law and Nigeria's civil legal framework. Keywords: Nikah, Islamic marriage, civil registration, Ogun State, marriage compliance.