HIGH rate of divorce among young couples in Zanzibar has baffled Muslim clerics.
Sheikh Juma Machano, a spiritual leader said here this week that Kadhi’s family courts were overwhelmed by cases of couples applying for divorce often for minor issues that could be resolved.
He called for efforts to step up proper upbringing of children and insisted parents and the community in general must play their role effectively to address the situation.
Sheikh Machano also insisted for the need for Muslim clerics to continue enlightening the believers on the need to follow religious teachings.
Last week, when greeting his fellow believers at the Malindi Masjid (Mosque) after mass prayers, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi said, it was saddening that many people, particularly young couples, were divorcing within a short period after marriage.
“When conflict emerges over anything at home, it is necessary for a man and a woman to seek resolution from elder persons and religious leaders. Divorces not only leave the women helpless, thy also affect children’s parenting,” Dr Mwinyi said.
The Minister of State-President’s office (Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance) Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman, who is responsible for religious affairs, also said divorces remained a challenge in Zanzibar.
Mr Suleiman did not reveal statistics, but said people in people need to be careful because in divorces children lose proper parenting and remain at risk of being abused.
He urged people planning to get married to attend marriage classes established by the office of Mufti.
