Polygamy in Comparative Religious Perspective and Its Social Implications for Unmarried Women in Yobe State, Nigeria

تعدد الزوجات في منظور ديني مقارن وانعكاساته الاجتماعية على النساء غير المتزوجات في ولاية يوبي، نيجيريا

Abstract

This study examines polygamy from both comparative religious and socio-cultural perspectives and explores its perceived role in addressing female singleness in Yobe State, Nigeria. The research investigates the historical development of polygamy across major religious traditions and societies, including Judaism, Christianity, pre-Islamic Arab communities, and Islam, while assessing contemporary attitudes toward the practice within the Yobe State context. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the study analyzes relevant religious texts, historical sources, and socio-cultural evidence concerning the regulation and practice of polygamy. Particular attention is given to the experiences and perceptions of unmarried women, including never-married women, divorcees, and widows. The findings indicate that polygamy has existed across diverse civilizations and religious traditions long before the emergence of Islam. Unlike many earlier practices, Islamic law introduced specific regulations and conditions governing polygamous marriage, particularly regarding justice and responsibility among spouses. The study further reveals that polygamy remains relatively accepted within the Yobe State community, although acceptance levels vary by gender, with men generally expressing more favorable attitudes toward the practice than women. Participants perceived polygamy as offering potential social, economic, and psychological support for some unmarried women, particularly widows and divorcees. However, the findings also suggest the need for careful consideration of gender relations, individual rights, and social welfare in contemporary discussions of polygamy. This study contributes to the literature on marriage practices, religion, and gender by providing a contextualized analysis of polygamy in northeastern Nigeria and highlighting the diversity of perspectives surrounding its social functions and implications.