The Role Of Islamic Teaching On Influencing Family Size: The Case Of Central District, Zanzibar

ABSTRACT

The study finds out how Islamic teaching influences family size in Zanzibar in

Central District. It assumes that, the couples‟ preference toward Islamic religious

beliefs influence the number of the children couples could have, hence affecting the

family size. Literatures show that, studies on religious beliefs on child bearing

behaviours concentrated on South Asian and Middle East countries due to strong

impact of Islamic teachings in those areas but, little was known on the influence of

Islamic teaching on family size in Tanzania. Therefore, a survey was conducted in

Central District in Zanzibar to investigate this issue.

The study was conducted at three wards in Central District. A total of 120

households were surveyed. Purposive and simple random sampling was adopted to

select households to be included in the study. Data analysis test was performed to

test for the association Islamic teaching and family size.

Quantitative analysis from data progression ratio and childbearing stopping

behaviour shows that couples preference for family size is upward in Central

District. The findings show that couples continue having children according to

religious beliefs. Also the study found that existing Islamic teaching in Central

District which was associated with religious beliefs as well as socio-cultural beliefs

determined fertility.

The study concluded that an Islamic religious belief was a factor toward large family

size in Zanzibar. Owing to the influence of education in reducing the rate of

childbearing, the study recommends the effort should be taken by government to

reduce and control child bearing among muslims community by promoting education

to both male and female prospective partners in the society.