The Art of Connection: Rebuilding the Bridges of Family Communication In the heart of every thriving home, family communication tips are the tools that bridge
It’s been a while since I addressed an issue like this. Today, I will talk about Unveiling Polygamy, its practice in various Muslim cultures, and the true essence behind the concept of Polygamy. So let’s start.
The Quran not readily but reluctantly accepts Polygamy as the last resort and only in conditions of great social hardship and for humanitarian purposes.
According to the injunctions of the Holy Quran, Polygamy is permissible if justice and equity can be observed.
The equality in the treatment demanded in the Holy Quran is humanly attainable if all conditions are observed in true sense.
Thus, if a person can deal with his wives justly and give each of his wives equal share in food, clothing, material comforts, and consortium; he is free to have as many wives as up to the ceiling of four.
In many Muslim cultures, there is a growing debate towards restricting polygamy.
Here, I will talk about some Muslim countries where various laws are practiced regarding Polygamy and imposes restrictions/conditions on it.
Firstly, in Pakistan and Bangladesh, the husband can only contract a second marriage with the permission of an Arbitration council if the first wife does not permit remarrying.
The wife is entitled to the judicial dissolution of her marriage if the husband fails to treat the co-wives equally by the injunctions of Islam/Quran.
In addition to this, the husband can only take an additional wife if he can satisfy the Arbitration Council with a valid reason for the marriage.
Secondly, in Morroco, the second marriage during the subsistence of the first marriage depends on the financial position of the husband intending to have another wife.
Thirdly, in Iran, the wife has the right to obtain a divorce if the husband marries without her permission or does not treat the co-wives equitably in the court’s assessment.
The practice regarding Polygamy in Malaysia requires the judicial permission contingent upon application to the court and a hearing with the existing wife or wives.
The court requires proof of necessity. Such as sterility of first wife, a willful avoidance of a restitution order, proof of financial capacity, a guarantee of equitable treatment of co-wives.
And proof that the proposed marriage will not lower the standard of life of the existing wife or wives or dependents.
Similarly, in Indonesia, too polygamous marriage depends on the permission from the court, consent of the existing wife by fulfilling conditions by the law and satisfying the court of such marriage.
Fourthly, the Jordan Law of Family Rights 1951, allows the wife to stipulate in the marriage contract that the husband shall not take another wife during the continuance of their marital union.
It also entitles the wife to sue for divorce if the husband does not honor the stipulation.
Fifthly, in Egypt too, the law No. 100/1985, follows the same trend by giving the right to her whose husband has married again.
The wife has the right to apply for a divorce if she suffers a moral injury or material injury as a result of her husband’s second marriage.
Even if there is no stipulation in the marriage contract that he would not marry during the subsistence of her marriage with him.
Similarly, if the second wife comes to know of her husband’s first marriage can also apply for divorce.
Sixth, the Syrian Law of Personal Status 1953, provides that the request for permission to remarry must be presented in the court.
And the court will refuse to a man already married, the permission to remarry a second wife if he cannot support the two wives.
Lastly, in Tunisia, Turkey, Albania, Druze a Nazari Sects, Polygamy is prohibited.
In the end, I would like to say that Polygamy was introduced in the Prophets (P.B.U.H) time to protect the orphans and women who were their caretakers/guardians and address their issues. As stated in Surah 4, An-Nisa’ 3
“And if you have reason to fear that you might not act equitably towards orphans, then marry from among (other) women such as are lawful to you — (even) two, or three, or four but if you a reason to fear that you might not be able to treat them with equal fairness, then (only) one — or (from among) those whom you rightfully possess. This will make it more likely that you will not deviate from the right course.”
If these verses are interpreted in the correct sense, then would the concept of Polygamy be understood in its context. And thus, justice would be served.
Keeping today’s present-day in mind, Polygamy is being used to satisfy one’s lustful desires and has lost its meaning of Fairness and Equality.
Think about it. Until next time, stay safe and healthy.
Most of you may be familiar with the Crimes practiced in Pakistan, in the name of Customs. Today, I aim to provide you with an insight into these Crimes. So let’s start.
Women in Pakistan live in a world structured around strict religious, family, and tribal customs that essentially force them to live in “Char Diwari” ( four walls), submission, and overall fear.
They are subjected to discrimination and violence daily due to cultural and religious norms. Pakistani Islamic Law too dictates traditional family values and is enmeshed in the legal system.
This places men as decision-makers regarding marriage and divorce matters. Pakistan’s law, government, and society discriminate against women and condone gender-based violence.
The first crime practiced in the name of custom is Honor Killing. Honor crimes are an act of violence usually murder committed by male family members against female family members who are perceived to have brought dishonor upon the family.
A woman can be targeted by the family for several reasons such as refusal to enter into an arranged marriage or being a victim to the sexual assault or even seeking a divorce from an abusive husband or committing adultery.
Simply, the mere perception of the family that how a woman has acted has brought dishonor to the family is sufficient to trigger an attack.
Honor Killings are common in the interior of all provinces of Pakistan which results in the massacre of Honor Killings to satisfy one’s perception of what is and what isn’t.
The second crime practiced in the name of custom is Karo Kari. Karo means black males and Kari means black females.
It is another custom where a man can kill a woman, claiming that she has brought dishonor to the family and yet expect to be pardoned by her relatives.
In Sind and Baluchistan provinces, the term Karo Kari has been officially employed as a label for the crime of double homicide. A man or a boy and a girl or a woman are both killed usually by the husband, father, or brother in what is characterized as a fit of rage.
Here the killer sees or in many cases hears or blames the victims actively engaged in sexual activity. Traditionally wherever practiced, Karo Kari is perhaps the only form of Honor Killing.
Another crime practiced in the name of custom is Violence. Be it verbal or physical or any other form, it is violence. In Pakistan, the rate of violence is comparatively much higher compared to other crimes.
Violence on women includes physical, psychological, and social oppression. It includes abuse, rape, acid attack, burning, killing, etc.
It is a violation of the right to physical integrity, to liberty, and to her right to life itself.
Another crime practiced in the name of custom is Forced Marriage. In the interiors of the Sind and Baluchistan provinces, marriages are forced and women are bound to bow before the wishes of the family.
Marriage of convenience is another custom where people consciously exploit the institution of marriage to obtain wrongfully certain advantages.
In Pakistan, however, women’s marriage with the Quran is common amongst feudal families or were inherited property matters.
Child marriages are found in the majority of the Tehsils. Such as Rojahan, Kot Addu, Taunsa, Tribal Area, Jatoi, Jalalpur, Pirwala, and Muzaffar Garh. In many Tehsils, early age engagement and Nikkah is also in practice.
Another crime practiced in the name of custom is the sale and purchase of women for marriage and lust purposes.
The sale and purchase of women is a practice and is more common in tehsil’s of Rajan Pur, Tribal Areas, Jampur, D.G Khan, Kot Addu, AliPur and Jatoi.
Vani or Swara refers to a customary practice that is widespread across Pakistan and is used as a method for resolving disputes and settling debts between families and tribes.
According to this custom, females members from the offending male family are married or given to the victim’s family as reparation or penance.
These decisions are often made by the jirga or panchayat which is a council consisting of the elder members of the community and convene an informal court to decide methods for resolving disputes.
This custom is practiced mostly in Kot Addu, Tribal Area, Multan, Shujjabad, Rojhan, Jampur, D.G khan, Taunsa, Jalalpur, Pirwala, and Muzaffar Garh.
Aaf and Aas is yet another custom practiced in the tehsil of Rajan Pur and Jampur.In this custom, the offender/accuses have to prove himself/herself innocent by crossing the burning fire.
Another crime practiced in the name of the custom is Numrad. It is a custom practiced in Southern Punjab in which after the marriage of the woman; the daughter or girls of the husband’s brother is given to the woman’s family ( father or brother) in exchange.
They can marry that girl to whomever and where ever they want to.
In the end, I would like to reiterate that such and other aforementioned Crimes practiced in the name of Customs need to be abolished forthwith.
Whether women belong to NWFP or Punjab, many do not get justice for these crimes practiced in the name of customs and there are lists and lists of women who have been affected and suffering.
These women demand such practices be declared null and void with immediate effect. It’s time to take action. Think about it. Until next time, stay safe and healthy.
How nice it is to celebrate one’s happiness among loved ones.
This need is felt mostly in cases when one cannot celebrate due to the events that are taking place in the surroundings.
Today, I aim to discuss the Eid scenario in Pakistan and how it is being celebrated in these times. So let’s start.
Firstly, Eid is a festivity that is celebrated with a grandeur after observing 30 Days of Fast along with prayers and duas for forgiveness.
It is celebrated with the buying of new clothes, jewellery, shoes, and other accessories which make the Eid festivities special.
Secondly, all loved and dear ones gather on this day to their relative’s homes to enjoy the celebration with the traditional sweets and foods.
What a joy it is to eat sheer khurma and kheer along with the spicy Biryani. Oh God, even writing makes my mouth water.
Thirdly, what makes this day more special is the money/Eidi given by the elders to the young.
This is a token of their love for their children, relatives, and acquaintances.
The amount of the Eidi, as we call it here in Pakistan does not matter. What matters is the love and affection that is associated with it.
Fourthly, is the social interaction with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. And this love and affection are transferred to each separately.
Fifthly, people also travel to a different part of the country just to enjoy their Eid.
And also to witness Eid festivity in different regions and groups.
In the present scenario, most people observed social distancing this time to be safe and keep their loved ones safe too.
Sixthly, people did interact with their loved ones, family, and friends but not by hugging them directly rather through skype, what’s app, and Zoom calls.
A bit different though, yet not undermining the spirit of Eid.
Seventh, most people did not buy new clothes this Eid not because they could not afford them.
Rather stand with the ones who have lost their means of livelihood due to COVID-19.
This my friend, is the true spirit of Eid.
Eighthly, these Eid people have exclusively opened their hearts for the ones in need rather than focussing on the celebration among the better lot.
And lastly, on this Eid, people have employed new ways of making their Eid productive. They are flying kites on their rooftops.
Though maintaining social distancing, still their hearts are in line with each other.
In the end, I would like to say that these times are a test of our patience and determination to pull through.
We may in the future have many more Eids but the lessons we will learn now will go a long way.
Think about it. Until next time, stay safe and healthy.
You must be logged in to post a comment.