AIMPLB to seek marriage registrar status for Qazis

The board is of the opinion that compulsory registration with government is an encroachment upon the Islamic Shariah. “We have no reservation about marriage registration. In fact,these are done among Muslims since ages. There is a complete record available with the Qazis in different districts who solemnise nikah,” said official spokesperson of AIMPLB SQR Ilyas.

He is also convenor of the board’s internal committee,which is monitoring the issue of compulsory marriage registration.

Ilyas stated that making registration of marriage compulsory with the government authorities will pose hardships for poor Muslim. “The only solution is granting marriage registrar status to the Qazis who solemnise nikah,” he added.

He also stated that compulsory registration will create confusion and social problems for marriages which have taken place in the past.

The 51-member EC will also consider various decisions given by different courts across the country in light of the Muslim Women Maintenance Act.

“Many decisions are not in sync with the Islamic Shariah. We have formed a committee which is reviewing these decisions. The EC will discuss these issues,” said Ilyas.

The major issue is fixing the responsibility of maintenance on the husband even after the mandatory period of iddat (three months). Islamic law fixes no responsibility on the man after the three months period as the female can remarry. “There have been instances where the court decision has asked the man to pay maintenance. We will discuss it,” said Ilyas.

He also stated that the board may make a demand for amendment in the Muslim Women Maintenance Act. “The decisions by courts have been against the spirit of law as there are some lacunae in it. We want these loopholes to be plugged,” said Ilyas.

The EC of AIMPLB will meet at the Islamic seminary Nadwatul Uloom. The rector of Nadwa Maulana Rabey Hasan Nadwi is the president of the board while Shia cleric Dr Kalbe Sadiq,also from Lucknow,is the vice-president.

The board may reiterate its demand for exemption for religious trusts from the Direct Taxes Code Bill and rejecting government control over waqf properties under proposed Waqf Act.