Rising wedding costs in Mogadishu and the role of social media

In recent years, in the city of Mogadishu and across the country, community campaigns led by religious scholars and respected traditional elders have been working to raise awareness about reducing the cost of marriage, especially dowry .

This has become a real obstacle facing many young people who want to marry and have new families, but find themselves blocked by excessive requirements and unreasonably high expenses.

Many young people, particularly young men, are complaining about the rising cost of marriage. The situation is made worse by severe economic hardship, unemployment, and the lack of readiness among some youths to prepare for married life.

The main challenge is that the dowry has become too expensive. This problem is also tied to family expectations especially on the bride’s side where in some cases the dowry is treated as something to show pride in, rather than being a symbol of simplicity, kindness, and a step toward building a home.

Wedding ceremonies themselves can become financially overwhelming. Costs may include renting expensive wedding halls and hotels, purchasing different styles of clothing, paying entertainers, and hiring photographers and other service providers.

All of these contribute to making weddings far more expensive than many families can afford and expect

In addition, this burden often extends to furnishing a new home. Couples are frequently expected to have modern, expensive furniture and setups that go beyond what many young men can realistically pay.

At the same time, social media has created a culture of competition, where people engage in showing off seeking attention, and trying to impress others.

High-cost marriage can cause young people to postpone marriage, which may lead to moral and social challenges. Islam, however, encourages making marriage easier. It describes marriage as a path toward psychological stability, respect, and social protection.

Traditionally and religiously, the best marriage is the one that is least burdensome and least costly. For that reason, parents have a responsibility to help solve this problem.

Parents should understand that real life begins after the wedding, not only with the wedding ceremony. Support should focus on helping the couple start their married life in a stable and sustainable way.

Religious scholars and community elders should once again stand up against modern harmful practices built on self-display, social media pressure, and unhealthy competition.

They should encourage solutions that prioritize the future of the couple such as community weddings held in mosques or public spaces with lower costs while remaining consistent with Islamic teachings, good culture, and sound judgment.

Marriage should ultimately be a source of stability, blessing, and wellbeing not a financial burden that pushes young people into delay, hardship, and greater social consequences.