INTRODUCTION
Total and unqualified submission to the will of Allah is the fundamental tenet of Islam: Islamic law is therefore the expression of Allah’s command for Muslim society and, in application, constitutes a system of duties that are incumbent upon a Muslim by virtue of his religious belief. Known as the Shari’a (literally, “the path leading to the watering place”), the law constitutes a divinely ordained path of conduct that guides the Muslim toward a practical expression of his religious conviction in this world and the goal of divine favour in the world to come.
Muslim Family Law (MFL), which includes all matters of inheritance for Muslims, is an integral part of a rich, complex and highly sophisticated system of Islamic jurisprudence (commonly known as Shari’a) that can be traced back to the 8th and 9th centuries C.E.Sharia is the fundamental religious concept of Islam. Significant theological and jurisprudential differences existed from the very beginning not only between Sunni and Shi’a Muslim jurists, but also among the different schools of thought of each tradition, and indeed within the same school of thought (Madhahib, sing. Madhhab). The early jurists not only accepted serious disagreement and difference of opinion, but in fact expressly described them as a sign of the grace of God. It is true that those jurists probably assumed that there ought to be one valid interpretation of Qur’an and Sunna (traditions of the Prophet) leading to the formulation of body of Shari’a principles. In this light, the notion of an immutable body of principles of Shari’a as universally binding on all Muslims for eternity was utterly inconceivable to the early jurists, notwithstanding subsequent claims that such a body of principles exists. This appreciation of traditional Shari’a as a historically conditioned interpretation and understanding of Islam is crucial for the possibilities of alternative modern formulations of MFL that would be fully consistent with modern international standards of human rights and the rights of women in particular.
Since that formative stage, Islam gradually spread throughout the world, with different schools and jurists alternating in influence among Islamic communities. For example, the Shafi’i School might displace the Maliki School in one region, and be displaced by it or by the Hanafi School in another. The fact that the same school prevails in several communities does not mean that they all follow the same specific lines of juridical thinking within that school. Significant variations in the theory and practice of MFL due to such variables as differences among Islamic countries and communities in terms of cultural patterns, sociological trends, demographic factors, economic development and political stability.
Generally speaking, MFL is applied today in almost all predominately Islamic countries. Even where MFL is not enforced by official state courts, its principles are informally observed by Muslims as a matter of religious obligation and vital concern. Whether formally or informally, MFL governs matters of marriage, matrimonial relations and maintenance, divorce, paternity and custody of children, inheritance and related matters for more than a billion Muslims throughout the world. In this sense, one can say that the broad principles of MFL, and their basic assumptions and rationale, constitute the most widely applied system of family law in the world today.
But that does not mean, however, that the same MFL principles apply everywhere. As already noted, there are significant differences among the various schools of Islamic jurisprudence which prevail in different Islamic countries. Besides the obvious differences between Sunni and Shi’a communities which sometimes co¬exist within the same country, different schools and opinions may be followed the Muslim public within the same country . Moreover, judicial practice may not necessarily be in accordance with the school observed by the majority of the Muslim population in the country.
Moreover, a variety of social conditions or customary practices sometimes have the effect of reforming the consequences of strictly legal enforcement of MFL in different countries and communities. For example, there are indications that distribution of shares in inheritance, especially for women, is sometimes indefinitely postponed to avoid fragmentation of the estate of the deceased, while by Shari’a principles an informal arrangement for sharing benefits is supposed to achieve similar results.
Some of these practical modifications or adaptations of MFL may in fact be more beneficial or detrimental to women and children than strict application of the law. But the problem is that the current state of knowledge in the field does not permit well-informed verification of such claims. Moreover, it seems clear that ignorance, misunderstanding, bias, ulterior motives or wider political agendas by all sides are obstructing positive reform initiatives in many Islamic societies. At present MFL has become the contested ground between conservative and fundamentalist groups, on the one hand, and modernist and liberal groups, on the other.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the research is to verify, understand and document the precise scope and nature of the application of MFL in a sample cross-section of Islamic countries and communities around the world. It is also to promote positive and sustainable Muslim Family Law reform in different parts of the world. In particular, the research seeks to explore possibilities of generating internal theological, legal as well as political support for Muslim Family Law (MFL) reforms. It is from this perspective to expect that certain aspects of MFL have not kept pace with the development of the societies they are supposed to serve. Moreover, the object is not simply to identify such problems or criticize aspects of the theory and practice of MFL from the point of view of the human rights of women and children. Rather, the declared and explicit objective of this research is actual engagement in theological, legal and political debates about what MFL reforms have made and how it is practicing.
METHODOLOGY
The research is based on library research, books, publications, journals, concerned scholars, policy makers, and social justice groups and women’s and human rights activists.
MUSLIM FAMILY LAW ISSUES AND ITS REFORMS
Islam’s contributions to this subject are a living tribute to the strength of the Faith to protect and enhance the status of the Family as the crucial nucleus of our civilization’s civic life. The Quran contains many direct commands for the purpose of keeping the Family in tact. Such mandates apply regardless of geography or ethnic specificity as such instructions are binding on everyone. This research is to produce a concise, brief document that indicates best practices and reforms in the application and implementation of family law in Muslim countries. Thereby, the positive developments that are occurring in the Muslim world’s legislative and judicial practice better known and available to other states and practitioners that are grappling with the same issues. This document is not meant to be either prescriptive or an exhaustive record of all family law in all Muslim countries.
The literature reviewed the laws and family codes of Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey. Referenced statistics and comparable data often extend beyond these countries; we have indicated the scope of those statistics when used, indicating whether comparisons are with the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the Arab World, or countries with Muslim majority populations more broadly.
The RAND Corporation and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars began collaboration on this project in March 2005 under the joint leadership of Haleh Esfandiari, Director of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center, and Cheryl Benard, Senior Political Analyst and Director of the Initiative for Middle Eastern Youth at the RAND Corporation. A team of researchers compared the constitutions and family law codes of the 12 Muslim countries listed above on topics ranging from issues of marriage and divorce to legal rights and violence against women. Research included a review not only of written laws but also of their application, with reference to secondary literature on the topic.
1 A leading author, sums up such totality of obligations qua the family by saying: “The family bond entails mutual expectations of rights and obligations that are prescribed by religion, enforced by law and observed by group members. These pertain to identity and provision, inheritance and counsel; affection for the young
MARRIAGE
For Muslims, the institution of marriage is regarded as extremely important. Muslims marriages are contracts of a relatively simple nature which only requires offer and acceptance in front of two witnesses. Apart from socio cultural practices. Muslim marriages require little ceremony or ritual to give the marriage legality. In effect it is a civil contract with religious overtones.
The Holy Prophet said: “Men marry for their property, status or their beauty: but you should marry for their piety (Ibadat). Thus, marriage partakes the nature of Ibadat (worship) and muamalat (worldly affairs).
In substance a Muslim marriage is a contract but a sanctified religious contract. Hence Muslim jurists regard Nikah to be both temporal and religious at the same time. It is not purely a civil contract or a sacrament but a religious, solemn and sacred covenant for life.
MINIMUM MARRIAGE AGE
The Quran does not define the minimum marriage age precisely, merely mentioning puberty as the permissible minimum. This has led to considerable divergence of legislative views on the proper minimum marriage age, particularly in the last century. Minimum marriage age continues to vary among Muslim countries (see table 1). The most advanced countries have established equity of marriage age for men and women (as in the countries in bold in the table).Minimum marriage age laws must be enforceable and consent must be required.
a. Religious or civil courts may make exceptions to allow minors to marry.
b. The royal decree rising the minimum marriage age to 18 has not yet been written into law.
c. Exceptions exist for religious minorities.
d. Law unenforceable (minors can be penalized, but underage marriages remain legally valid).
Note: Countries listed in bold have age requirement parity for men and women.
MARRIAGE REGISTRATION
There is no need for registration in a Muslim marriage as it is not obligatory in the Quran or in the Sunnah. On the other hand there is no prohibited sanction against registration of marriage. Thus registration is not a requisite of a valid marriage but provides a legal restriction for various kinds of protection, including prevention of denial of the marriage. Marriage registration continues to vary among Muslim countries.
Iraq: obligatory court registration.
Morocco: obligatory court registration.
Tunisia: obligatory under Civil Status Act 1957, only formal document shall prove existence of marriage; unregistered marriage deemed void with three effects: establishment of paternity; immediate onset of idda from date of voidance declaration; and creation of prohibited degree on basis of affinity.
Senegal: obligatory; if marriage contracted under one of customary legal regimes recognized in Senegalese law, parties must inform officer of civil status one month prior to marriage; non-registration is punishable by fine but does not determine validity.
POLYGAMY
Islamic countries are addressing the issue of polygamy in different ways. One group of countries, including Tunisia, Turkey, and in part Lebanon, simply bans the practice outright. A second group restricts the practice, applying conditions that, in some cases, are quite rigorous to deter a frivolous exercise of multiple marriages.
1. The most common conditions that countries that restrict polygamy place on the practice are the following:
a) The prior wife or wives must be informed of the man’s intention to marry an additional wife.
b) The prior wife or wives must consent.
c) The husband must prove the polygamous marriage to be “just and necessary” (clearly mentioned grounds for this include a wife who is sterile, physically unfit for conjugal relations, insane, or physically infirm or a wife who refuses sexual relations).
d) The husband must give assurance that the new marriage will not affect the lives of previous wives and their children.
2. The condition that a second or subsequent marriage be “just and necessary” could be a potent tool for regulation, but its ambiguity is cause for concern because it could also be used to justify polygamy on the slightest grounds. In some cases, for example, authorities may accept the wife’s “failure” to produce a male heir as sufficient grounds for granting permission for polygamy (Bangladesh, Pakistan). To counter this, courts in Singapore encourage adoption in such cases, rather than a second marriage.2
3. According to the laws of the countries that restrict the practice of polygamy, wives in a polygamous marriage have to be treated equitably, and this includes provision for separate living arrangements if there has been such an agreement during the marriage. In the event of a violation of these procedures, the wife or wives can take the husband to court.
2“Knowing our Rights: Women, family, laws and customs in the Muslim World,” Women living under Muslim Laws, 2003, p. 200, London, UK
Polygamy rule is to vary among Muslim countries.
Tunisia: A Personal Status Code was adopted in Tunisia shortly after independence in 1956, which other laws, prohibits polygamy.3 Under Article 18 of the Personal Status Code, any man who contracts a polygamous marriage is punishable with one year of imprisonment, a fine of 240,000 Tunisian francs, or both.
Turkey: In 2001, Turkey completed a sweeping overhaul of its Civil Code, with one outcome being a ban on polygamy.
Status of Polygamy
Algeria Allows up to four wives; current wives may sue for divorce if not informed.
Egypt Allows up to four wives; must inform prior wives, who may divorce if they can prove harm from additional marriage.
Indonesia Basis of marriage is considered monogamy, but Marriage Law does not prohibit polygamy for those whose religions allow it.
Jordan No constraints aside from the classical injunctions that a man must treat all co-wives equitably and provide them with separate
Lebanon recognizes 19 different groups that are each accorded their own religious law. The Druze sect prohibits polygamy. Activists tried to outlaw polygamy for all sects in 1998.
Malaysia
Entering a polygamous marriage requires the permission of a Shariah court. Husband must justify in writing why the marriage is necessary and just. Failure to follow required procedures is liable to 6 months’ imprisonment and a fine.
Morocco Allows up to four wives, subject to judicial approval women may prohibit polygamy in marriage contract; all parties must be informed; prior wife may apply for divorce.
Syria A judge’s permission is required; polygamous marriage but may be refused unless the husband establishes lawful cause and financial capacity Tunisia.
3 U.S. Department of State, “Republic of Tunisia,” July 2004.
Lebanon:4 In Lebanon, according to the 1948 Law Pertaining to Personal Status for the Druze Sect (Article 10), polygamy is prohibited. Article 9 of the 1998 Civil Marriage Law, proposed by activists but not yet passed, would outlaw polygyny.5
Malaysia: Contracting a polygamous marriage requires the permission of a Shariah court. A husband must justify in writing why the additional marriage is necessary and just and must convince the court that he can treat all wives equally. Failure to follow required procedures is liable to 6 months’ imprisonment and a fine.6
Indonesia: Under a 1990 policy, polygamy is permitted only through an application to the court and requires approval of the prior wife or wives, a necessity for the marriage (current wife suffers from an incurable disease or is infertile, etc.), and a guarantee that husband will treat all wives and children justly.7
Iraq: Only permitted by judicial permission, to be granted on two conditions: financial ability and lawful benefit; permission not to be granted if judge fears unequal treatment of co-wives; ILPS provides penalties of imprisonment and/or fines for non-compliance.
Morocco: Only permitted by judicial permission, to be granted on two conditions: financial ability and lawful benefit; permission not to be granted if judge fears unequal treatment of co-wives; ILPS provides penalties of imprisonment and/or fines for non-compliance.
4 In Jordan, only certain sects ban polygamy.
5 Knowing our Rights: Women, family, laws and customs in the Muslim World,” Women living under Muslim Laws,
2003, p. 205, London: UK
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
GUARDIAN PERMISSION AND WOMEN’S CONSENT
A widespread problem in many Muslim countries, especially in those marked by poverty, feudal structures, and/or large gaps in the status of social groups, is the conveying or selling of young women for economic gain or under political and other pressures. There is no unified position within the Islamic world on the legal role of parents or a guardian (wali) in contracting or agreeing to a marriage or on the rights of women to determine their own spouses, either within civil legal jurisprudence or under the shari’a law.
However, there is also no Islamic justification for forcing any woman to marry against her will or for preventing a mature woman from marrying as she chooses. Nonetheless, the actual practice throughout the Muslim world often excludes women from having any voice in the choice of their marriage partners, even though—given the enormous power Muslim society generally grants to husbands and their families—that decision will be of monumental importance to their prospects of happiness. Minimum consent of marriage of the guardian and women continues to vary among Muslim countries.
Iran: Many legal codes require the consent of the bride but undermine this with other provisions. For example, Iranian law stipulates that the official conducting the marriage read the conditions of the contract to both parties and that they separately sign each condition to indicate acceptance. However, according to a 2004 U.S. State Department report, previously unmarried females, even those over 18 years of age, first need either the consent of a father or grandfather or a court override.8
Turkey: The right of women to choose their own spouses needs to be secured such as this is regarded as a natural extension of the shari’a.
Tunisia: women who have reached the age of civil consent (20) must consent to their own marriages.
8 U.S. Department of State. “Country Reports—Iran”: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41721.htm, accessed 5 August 2005
Morocco: Recent reforms to the Family Law code universally require women’s consent. The extensive reforms to the Moudawwana in 2004 make Morocco a model case. Under Morocco’s new law, women become their own guardians on reaching majority, may conduct their own marriages, and may not be coerced into marriage under any circumstances. While significant challenges in implementation remain, Morocco’s exemplary family law code grants Moroccan women rights of consent in marriage that are a true model for the Islamic world.9
Iraq: Prior to 1959, “marriage contracts concluded by coercion” were considered void so long as they had not been consummated.10
Algeria: Forced marriage is not permitted, but perpetrators face no penalties. Many young women face family and community pressures to marry against their will and have no or only limited channels through which to voice dissent. Social support networks that might aid the woman in such cases, as well as the backing of an accessible formal or informal justice system, are generally lacking.
Indonesia: Require the bride’s consent (or at least her lack of objection), but provide no realistic way for her to make such an objection known and no clear mechanism for escaping an illegal marriage (e.g., annulment).11
Malaysia: It is illegal to prevent a woman of 16 or a man of 18 and above from contracting a valid marriage. Doing so can be punished with a fine, imprisonment, or both; yet the law recognizes the wali’s consent as a requirement in marriage, but his refusal may be overruled by the courts.12
RIGHT OF DIVORCE
In many countries in the Islamic world, men have possessed a unilateral and unconditional right to divorce. In these same countries, women are often not only not afforded that right but, if they are allowed the right of divorce at all, must resort to the courts to divorce their spouses, where they confront innumerable social, legal, and bureaucratic obstacles. In many Islamic countries, women are often at a massive disadvantage compared to men in such matters as financial support, child custody, child visitation and child guardianship, and subsequent remarriage. In Tunisia, Malaysia, Iran, and Yemen, the law requires that all divorces be settled in a court of law. While laws vary considerably in the degree to which women may seek divorce and on what grounds men may seek divorce, most of these countries mandate that the procedure be conducted in a court of law. For instance,
Iran: Here talaq is recognized, the husband can divorce his wife without citing any reasons. However, divorce is permissible only through the courts and any independent pronouncement of talaq made on the part of the husband is considered immaterial before the court of law. Moreover, the registrar can only register a divorce after permission has been issued from a court and after any mahr, maintenance, and/or wages for housework have been paid to the wife. The law is interpreted to mean that no court can prevent a man from divorcing his wife; however, all her financial rights must be settled prior to the separation.
Tunisia. Under Article 31 of the Personal Status Code, divorce by mutual consent (or Mubarat) is recognized. Divorce is possible only through the court and only after the judge has made reconciliation efforts. Article 31 also establishes equal grounds for husband and wife, including “at the will of the husband or at the request of the wife”.
Egypt: In 2000, Egypt enacted a law that allowed women the right to obtain a divorce from their husbands on the grounds of incompatibility. The divorce is granted on the wife’s return of her mahr. Prior to the new law, a husband could file for divorce without even informing his wife, while the wife needed conclusive proof and independent corroboration of physical abuse by the husband.
Syria: Syrian law of Personal Statute (1953) put the husband’s motive for divorcing his wife under judicial scrutiny by financially punishing arbitrary use of talaq.13 The Syrian Law of Personal Statute provides that, when a husband divorces his wife without adequate cause, he must pay her financial compensation to the equivalent of one year’s maintenance.
Indonesia. Under the Marriage Law, all divorces must go through the court. A husband married under Muslim laws must provide the religious court with a written notification of his intention to divorce, which must include his reasons for wishing to do so. If the reasons accord with one of the eight grounds available to husbands and wives, both parties are called separately for reconciliation meetings with counselors. If reconciliation fails, the court will call the parties to witness the divorce.”14. Indonesian divorce codes “do not distinguish between husband and wife.”
Right to Divorce: Summary
Country Rights of Divorce
Algeria Talaq is not recognized. Divorce by mutual consent is allowed. The wife can apply for divorce on specific grounds. A reconciliation attempt is mandatory.
Egypt Wife may apply for divorce; must relinquish mahr
Indonesia
All divorces must go through the court. The grounds do not distinguish between husband and wife.
Iran Talaq requires two witnesses. The wife may seek a divorce for specified reasons.
Jordan.
Either party may apply for divorce on many grounds, including discord or physical or mental health
Lebanon The wife may apply for divorce on many grounds, including discord. A reconciliation attempt is mandatory. Religious minorities may follow different rules.
Morocco Talaq must be issued in court. Divorce by mutual consent is allowed. The wife may apply for divorce on specified grounds.
Syria The wife may divorce on many grounds, including discord. A reconciliation attempt is mandatory
Tunisia Either spouse may divorce at prerogative or injury. Talaq is not recognized. A reconciliation attempt is mandatory.
13 Emory University Law School, “Syria, Syrian Arab Republic”: http://www.law.emory.edu/IFL/legal/syria.htm, accessed 20 June 2005.
14Knowing Our Rights, pp. 262 and 269
MAINTENANCE
Under Muslim law a man must maintain his wife and children. The husband is under a duty to maintain his divorced wife during the period of iddat. Maintenance continues to vary among the Muslim countries.
Iraq: Post-Divorce Maintenance/Financial Arrangements: husband obliged to maintain divorce (even if nashiza) during iddat; 1983 legislation provides that repudiated wife has right to continue residing in marital home without husband for three years, so long as she was not disobedient, did not agree to or request divorce, and does not own house or flat of her own.
Morocco :Post-Divorce Maintenance/Financial Arrangements: husband obliged to maintain divorce (even if nashiza) during iddat; 1983 legislation provides that repudiated wife has right to continue residing in marital home without husband for three years, so long as she was not disobedient, did not agree to or request divorce, and does not own house or flat of her own .
Tunisia: Post-Divorce Maintenance/Financial Arrangements: husband obliged to provide maintenance during iddat or, if there is an infant, until the child is weaned; if divorce was husband’s will, judge may determine what financial compensation is due to wife (or vice versa if divorce was at request of wife).
Senegal: Post-Divorce Maintenance/Financial Arrangements: in case husband sought divorce on grounds of incompatibility or incurable illness of wife, obligation to maintain is transformed to obligation to pay alimony; in case divorce is judged to be exclusive fault of one party, judge may grant other party compensation.
CHILD CUSTODY AND MAINTENANCE
Muslim countries often restrict the rights of mothers to raise or even to have the right to visit their own children in the event of a divorce. Instead, these countries cite a “natural right” of fathers to have guardianship over their children; custody defaults to the father after a child reaches particular (often very young) age. Paternal grandfathers or other male relatives of the father have preference in the event of his death, irrespective of the wishes or needs of the child. Loss of their children is a powerful threat, keeping women in otherwise unendurable marriages.
Turkey: The issues of the guardianship, custody, and maintenance of children are best addressed through laws that look to the best interests of the child and that assign equivalent responsibilities to both parents following a separation.
Turkish: Article 182 of the Civil Code states, “As a principle, the judge grants the custody of the children to the parent he or she believes will look after the children better. Men do not have any superiority over women in this respect.”15
Tunisia: Tunisian law (Article 67) dictates that a child be transferred to the father from the mother at age 7 for a boy and age 9 for a girl, unless a judge rules otherwise.16
Iran: In Iran the mother loses custody of her children, regardless of their age, if she remarries.18 The Government amended in November 2003 the existing child custody law, which in the case of divorce gave a mother custody of a son up to 2 years of age and a daughter up to age 7 years, with custody reverting to the father thereafter. The new law gives a mother preference in custody for children up to 7 years of age; thereafter, the father has custody. After the age of 7 years, in disputed cases, custody of the child is to be determined by the court, taking into consideration the well being of the child.”
Other Islamic countries, such as Egypt, Lebanon apply the same sort of formulaic model. Some countries, such as Algeria and Iran, render it yet more unfavorable to the mother by having custody revert to the father if the mother remarries. In some cases, even if the father is not deemed suitable for guardianship and custody, family members of the father are given priority over the mother and her relatives.
15 South Eastern European Women’s Legal Initiative. “Family Law Report: Turkey.” http://www.seelineproject. net/FamilyLaw/TurkeyFL.htm#_ftn1
16 Jamal J. Nasir. The Islamic Law of Personal Status. 3rd Ed. Kluwer Law International. 2002. p. 171.
Many Islamic countries deny women custody of their children altogether in the event that she renounces Islam, commits acts of “immorality” or adultery, or geographically moves too far away from the father.17
Morocco: The Moroccan family code in its revised form contains language guaranteeing a women’s right to custodianship regardless of her proximity to the father or marital status. It also makes a distinction between money paid as restitution or compensation to the mother and the sum required to maintain the same quality of life of the child, ensuring that one alimony payment will not take the place of parental obligation of continued support.18
17 Knowing Our Rights, p. 339.
18 L’Association Démocratique des Femmes du Maroc (ADFM), accessed 13 April 2005
SUCCESSION
In Muslim law a great deal of importance is given to the laws of inheritance or succesion. The Prophet of Islam said: “Learn the laws of inheritance and teach them to the people, for they are one half of useful knowledge”
The Law of Inheritance consists of two distinct elements: one is the principles of Pre-Islamic Law and the rules lay down by the Holy Quran and the percepts of the Prophet.
According to Tyabji the Holy Quran is an amending act rather than an exhaustive code which made reform upon the ancient tribal law.
Iraq: Introduction of obligatory bequest to grandchildren by predeceased sons or daughters as well as complete freedom of testator to make will within limits of bequeathal one-third of estate; 1963 legislation allowed female descendants of deceased to completely exclude collateral male agnates; 1963 amendments also adopt Shii system of classifying heirs for inheritance, though Sunni principles still govern division of estates among heirs.
Tunisia: Book 9 of TLPS on succession introduced obligatory bequests in favor of orphaned grandchildren through sons or daughters, limited to first generation of grandchildren and to maximum of one-third of estate; introduced and extended doctrine of radd (return) to allow surviving spouse to share in residue of deceased partners estate; also provision that if deceased has only surviving daughters, estate shall go to children and not to paternal uncles.
Senegal: Governed by classical law as outlined in Section III on Muslim succession in Book VII of Family Code; includes provision for only granddaughters through predeceased sons not standing to inherit as residuary heirs from anyone else to receive one-sixth of estate.
Conclusion
Throughout the history of Islamic faith, it has been a deeply cherished objective to emphasize on enveloping the entirety of a person’s life with its normative structure of rules of conduct and precepts. Amongst the major norms of such expected behavior are those that are devised to apply to the institution of the Family. Islam has also a considerable amount of substantive rules that govern the matter of human rights. The thrust of Islamic jurisprudence and Shari ‘a seems to clearly accommodate the basic necessary rules that create for the flourishing of the Family.
The evolution of these norms and concepts in the international legal field has been such that, in respect of crucial details, there is a visible tendency to have the rights of the Family give up some of its historical and inherent hierarchal position and status in the society to specific and newly developed “rules” in the broader field of human rights. The problem that we are thus faced with is simple. Some of the Muslim Family Law reforms that are currently advocated by a sizeable segment of liberal based ideologues are such that the aim to denude the very foundations of the institution of the family as to adversely affect its well-being and character.
Undeniably the positive role that Faith and Religion play in the public life of any community is tremendously immense. Even amongst the most “progressive societies” of modern times the relevance of Faith can never be exaggerated. Given the peculiar political and societal realities of this millennium, in the Third World context Islam’s significance needs to be specially noted. The perennial support that Family as an institution has evinced from confines of doctrinaire Islam is by itself comprehensive both legally and sociologically! An understanding of this fact would provide us with a true glimpse of the rationale why Muslim countries are always advocating the continued historical continuity of the Family as the core and fundamental group unit of our civilizations, regardless of the nature of Religion of the concerned communities
These are a few prominent areas within the Muslim Family laws requiring attention of scholars, experts, religious leaders and governments for undertaking “reforms”. The “reform” movement that is needed has to be well coordinated and of course led by profound scholarship. Anything less than quality would be self defeating. So this reform movement has to be undertaken with lot of planning, and a determined yet sincere effort to have the kind of imagination that achieves dynamic advances without creating the expected opposition from adversary ideologies.
This research is therefore integral to understanding the actual practice of MFL with a view to implementing effective reforms. Only detailed and systematic study of how MFL affects the daily lives and social relationships of actual men, women and children, of how people adjust to and cope with the consequences of the application of the law will give the insights which is need for devising and implementing reform initiatives. Such studies are also testing the relevance and efficacy of reform initiatives already attempted in different parts of the world.
