list of articles
Compatibility of an Illegitimate Person
Most scholars agree that an illegitimate person cannot be blamed on his parents’ sin. If a man is born outside of wedlock and proposes to a Muslim woman, it is permissible to marry her if he is Muslim with good manners.
Who is the Guardian of a Muslim Woman with no Muslim Relatives?
There are 2 views on the marriage of a Muslim woman who has no Muslim guardians. The first view is that it is not permissible and she may act for herself. The second allows a non-Muslim to act as a guardian in her marriage.
Marriage between a Sunni Man and a Shia Woman
Intermarrying a Sunnah woman to a Shia man is not permissible especially if he is from the hard-line Shia as they are a deviant creed. Other scholars declare Shia as believers and they may marry Muslim women.
Traditional Marriage Not Registered with Western Authorities
For a marriage to be valid in Islam, the presence of wife’s guardian and witnesses is essential. Official registration is not vital although its absence is discouraged as it ensures the rights for both parties.
Artificial Insemination
Islam permits artificial insemination if the sperm and the egg are from a married man and woman. And any other situation like getting the egg from another woman or the involvement of a third party is forbidden.
Registering Births in non-Muslim Registers
It is permissible for Muslims living in non-Muslim countries to register birth and deaths certificates with the official authorities. Birth certificates are practically relied upon in proving parenthood.
Adoption in Western Countries
Adoption of orphans and children of unknown parenthood is permissible in Islam only to look after them and not affiliate a child to someone other than its own father as it is obliged by some Western countries.
Adopting the Husband’s Family Name
It is a tradition in Western countries that a married woman affiliates herself to her husband family. In Islam there are 2 views on this subject, the first forbids it, but the other sees it as a way of identification.
Marriage of Convenience
In some cases a man and a woman tend to get married to obtain certain benefits. Scholars are unanimous that such a marriage is forbidden as it is not permissible to go through a marriage contract for false pretenses.
Inheritance When Religions Differ
Muslim scholars have different views on the subject of inheritance when the deceased person and his heirs are from different religions. The presence of a bequest by will plays an important role in this case.
Custody of a Muslim Child by a non-Muslim Woman
The mother has the first right of custody even if she is following an earlier divine religion until the child is 7. In case it is feared that the child will be leaning towards disbelief, it will be taken from his mother.
Marriage Termination by Islamic Centres at the Wife’s Request
A Muslim woman in a non-Muslim country can terminate her marriage at her request “Khul’” through Islamic centers, as they have a judicial status. But the arbiters must follow all the required procedures.
Divorce by a non-Muslim Judge
When relations between man and wife are strained, a woman may seek a legal judgment in her case from the courts of the country in which she lives. Fiqh councils have different opinions on this subject.
Can a Wife Seek Divorce if her Husband is a Transgressor
Seeking divorce from an errant husband is a recurrent case that Islam has different views on it. If he thinks his sins are lawful then the marriage is dissolved. If not, she must be more patient and guide him.
Can a Woman Initiate Divorce From Her Husband?
In Islam, a woman has the right to terminate her marriage, so that she can divorce her husband if she wants. This is perfectly acceptable according to the majority of scholars, of both olden and contemporary times.
Sham Divorce
In some situations a man divorces his wife to get some benefits and then reinstate their marriage. There are 2 views; the first considers such divorce effective. The other sees that it depends on man’s intention.
Divorce by Islamic Centres
Do Islamic centres have a judicial role?Is divorce ordered by an Islamic centre valid?
Apostasy and Marriage
A Muslim woman can’t get married to an apostate but if apostasy takes place after marriage; some scholars consider this marriage dissolved. Others see that she can wait until her waiting period is over.
