AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF WESTERN CULTURE ON WALIMAH DURING MARRIAGE: A CASE STUDY OF MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT Marriage ceremonies across different cultures and religions are symbolic and significant, representing both social and spiritual union. In Islam, the Walimah is an important aspect of the marriage process. It is a feast held after the Nikah (Islamic marriage contract), primarily meant to celebrate the union and publicize the marriage in a modest and religiously acceptable way. However, with increasing exposure to Western culture through globalization, mass media, migration, education, and social media, the traditional way of conducting Walimah ceremonies in many parts of Nigeria, including Maiduguri Metropolis, has undergone substantial transformation. These influences are evident in dressing, music, dancing, photography, lavish spending, and mixed-gender celebrations. This study investigates how Western culture has impacted Walimah, what parts of the culture have been adopted, and how these shifts are affecting Islamic identity and traditional values in Maiduguri. Traditionally, Islamic marriages in Maiduguri followed simple, modest, and religiously compliant formats. Walimah events were gender-segregated, with modest food offerings, Islamic lectures, and little emphasis on display or extravagance.