Seey

Seey (also called saay) is a Somali word used to refer to a person in a marriage relationship. It denotes one of the two parties to a marriage contract (the other being the spouse). The term describes a legal and social condition, not merely a personal relationship.

The condition of being seey begins when marriage is contracted and ends when divorce occurs or one of the parties dies. Different legal and religious systems assign seey specific duties and rights, including responsibility for household expenses and shared custody of children.

Terminology and usage

Somali uses various words to refer to a married man: "seey", "nin" (when indicating possession, as in "ninkeyga", my husband), and in some dialects "odayga" (my elder). For a married woman, the terms are "xaas", "naag", or "marwo". Related terms such as "aroos" (wedding) and "meher" (dower) refer to the marriage event and the marriage payment.

Legal and religious role

Islamic law, which forms the basis of marriage law in Somali society, makes marriage a contract (aqad) requiring consent of both parties, witnesses, and dower (meher). The seey is expected to bear household expenses. Divorce (talaaq) can be initiated by the seey through established procedures.

Variation in custom

Different societies vary in how they select spouses, how many marriages are permitted, and how household work is divided. Many countries now restrict marriage to one spouse, while others permit a man to marry more than one woman. Some modern legal systems also recognize same-sex marriage, broadening the meaning of the term "seey".