Prolific video producer and cinematographer Mahmud Hussein aka Jibril Blessing has left citizens highly confused with tongues wagging after he shared his opinion on the difference between wives and partners.
According to the 35-year-old director, anyone can get a wife what people ought to strive to bag is a partner.
"It's very good to have a partner in life, a partner not a wife. You know when we use the term wife, then we make it look like the relationship is about a certain way and it ain't. A partner is the best thing ever," candidly stated the father of 4.
On what he meant by his earlier statement, J Blessing expounded on it highlighting, "The difference between a wife and a partner is everyone can have a wife but not everyone can have a partner. A partner is someone who truly believes in you, your craft or ambition and sees beyond your "stupidity" and shortcomings,"
The statements did not seem to sit well with a lot of stating that they feel people have picked up the art of disregarding the term wife which is sacred just to excuse themselves from either not officially tying the knot or to keep their options open.
When it comes to defining the roles of a wife versus a partner, it’s a bit like comparing a classic novel to a contemporary best seller—both tell a compelling story, but their themes and settings can be quite different.
Below are some excerpts from various religious texts and African traditional beliefs and what they say about wives and their roles.
In the modern world, "wife" and "partner" are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences.
A wife, traditionally, implies a legal and often religiously recognized union, complete with vows, rings, and the occasional argument over the correct way to load the dishwasher.
A partner, on the other hand, emphasizes equality and collaboration, often without the formalities of marriage. Think of a partner as a co-pilot on life’s journey, sans the turbulence of historical expectations.
In the Bible, particularly in Proverbs 31, the wife is celebrated as a paragon of virtue, industriousness, and wisdom. She's described as a "woman of noble character," who takes care of her family and offers wisdom and kindness to those around her.
The New Testament also highlights the importance of love and mutual respect in marriage. Ephesians 5:25 urges husbands to "love your wives, just as Christ loved the church."
The Quran emphasizes the complementary roles of husbands and wives.
In Surah An-Nisa (4:34), it outlines the responsibilities of husbands as protectors and maintainers of women, while wives are expected to be devout and supportive. Marriage is viewed as a partnership based on mutual respect and love, with both partners contributing to the family’s well-being.
In Hinduism, texts like the Manusmriti describe the wife as the household’s spiritual and practical cornerstone. The concept of Ardhangini (half of the husband) underscores the belief that the wife completes her husband.
She's revered in roles ranging from the nurturing caregiver to the wise counselor, embodying strength and devotion.
In many African cultures, the role of a wife is richly woven into the community’s fabric, marked by responsibilities that blend tradition and pragmatism.
A wife is often seen as the custodian of cultural and familial traditions. She ensures that rituals, from naming ceremonies to harvest festivals, are performed correctly, maintaining a link between generations. Her role extends to being a vital support system for her husband and children. This includes managing household affairs, participating in farming or trade, and sometimes, assuming leadership roles within the community.
Whether drawing from religious texts or cultural traditions, the essence of being a wife often revolves around a delicate balance of love, duty, and partnership. The modern concept of a partner adds another layer to this dynamic, emphasizing equality and shared responsibilities without necessarily adhering to traditional roles.
In conclusion, while the term "wife" carries with it a rich tapestry of historical and cultural connotations, "partner" embodies the evolving nature of relationships in the 21st century.
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