Harmony in Diversity: Understanding Conflict in Interreligious Marriages in West Africa

This book examines how conflicts between interfaith married Muslims and Christians in West Africa evolve in the 21st century. Using a qualitative research methodology and a phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observation, and field notes. 30 interfaith couples were interviewed, of which 19 were female and 11 were male. The study showed that interfaith marriages can thrive in the area of marital understanding, resulting in a win-win orientation when conflicts arise. The presence of shared values such as social integration, mutual understanding, love, affection, mutual consent, education, and commitment connect interfaith couples even amid religious and social differences that lead to marital challenges. Religion has a strong influence on the lives of people in northern Nigeria, and therefore marriages are usually performed manner religiously. The study concluded that there are common values that usually unite interfaith couples amid religious and social differences that lead to challenges in marriage.