In many Muslim countries, early marriage is a social norm. Some rulers, wanting to gain great popularity, intend to officially allow the marriage of adult men to young girls. For example, the potential winner of the Iraqi parliamentary elections, Nuri al-Maliki, promised to pass the Jafari Personal Status Act, which openly proclaims the possibility of an early marriage. Nevertheless, in many developed countries, such reforms are interpreted as manifestations of pedophilia and trafficking in minors.
Muslim countries
States, the main part of the population of which professes Islam, are increasingly becoming involved in international relations. In many countries of the world there are Muslim communities, mosques and schools for the faithful are being built. In the Islamic states themselves, demographic growth is so rapid that the population is forced to gradually emigrate to other territories.
Officially Muslim countries are:
- In the CIS: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
- Asian countries: Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Palestine, Turkey, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Yemen, Qatar, Bangladesh, Maldives, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia.
- Member States of the African Union: Djibouti, Egypt, Comoros, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Algeria, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Chad.
Currently, the number of Muslims is growing rapidly. But following the spirit of modernity, many young people no longer adhere to Sharia law as strictly as their ancestors. There is a gradual assimilation of Muslims into European culture and, as a result, even the denial of the basic tenets of the Islamic faith. But the tradition of early marriages in Muslim countries is relevant to this day.
How old are you to get married according to Islam?
As stated in the Jafari Personal Status Act, in order to marry, it is enough for a man to reach 15 years of age. The future wife must be at least nine years old. Amendment of the code is the statement that, with the consent of the father or grandfather, the girl can get married earlier.
This view of early marriages in Muslim countries confirms history. According to the Qur'an, one of the wives of the prophet Muhammad Aisha at the time of the marriage was six years old. But really, the girl became a wife (that is, she knew intimacy with her husband) at the age of nine.
Today, the age of marriage in Muslim countries is eighteen. Under special circumstances, with the approval of the guardians, you can get married at the age of fifteen.
Features of early marriages in Muslim countries
The union, held together by the traditions of Islam, is very strong. Strength is explained, first of all, by observing the system of values and traditions dictated by the Quran. Early marriages in Muslim countries are no exception.
The second reason for the strength of the marital union is the support of the family by public institutions. Divorce in Muslim countries is more troublesome than in European and American ones. In addition, future spouses from childhood get used to the roles of husband and wife. Surrounded by numerous relatives, the couple at any time can count on protection, emotional and material support, which significantly strengthens the marital union.
The choice of life partner for Muslims
Of course, marriage should be built on mutual love and reverence. Many true believers, like citizens of other states, can choose their soul mate. However, such a choice is almost impossible with early marriages in Muslim countries. The customs of such unions dictate the consent of the older men in the family - father, grandfather, and sometimes older brother.
It happens that a young bride becomes a payment for the debts of relatives. There were cases when a wife moved to her husband’s house, taking her favorite toys — dolls, teddy bears, doll houses, etc. Many girls do not fully realize the importance and hopelessness of the event. They are happy with the holiday and new beautiful outfits. The subsequent reality is shocking and scary.
Muslim Wedding Ceremony
Nikah is a marriage between the faithful man and woman. The history of the ceremony testifies that the future husband, marrying the girl, should have announced this in the main square of the city.
As evidenced by the description of early marriages in Muslim countries, despite the ancient history, nikah has no legal force. However, this is a very solemn and beautiful ceremony, consisting of several stages:
- Collusion.
- Matchmaking (hitby).
- Passing the bride to the groom's house (zifaf).
- Actually weddings (Ursa, Valim).
- Actual entry into marital relations (wedding night, nikaha).
In order for the marriage to be recognized by society, (which is very important for the faithful), some conditions must be met:
- Spouse is an adult Muslim.
- The bride and groom must agree to marry.
- Marriage between blood relatives is prohibited.
- At least one male relative should accompany the girl at the ceremony.
- Kalym (mahr) is paid for the bride by the groom.
- Men can marry Muslim women as well as Christians and Jews. In the case of interethnic marriage, children born are raised according to the Qur'an.
The phenomenon of marriage polygamy
According to the Qur'an, a Muslim can have up to four wives. Polygamous marriage conditions are as follows:
- The first (main) wife should be aware of the spouse's intentions to join the family.
- Subsequent wives should not sow discord in the family.
- All spouses have the right to equal treatment of themselves.
Also, a man is free to choose a second wife, if:
- There are no children in the first marriage.
- The first wife is often sick, and care for her, her children and her husband is required.
Polygamy, according to Muslims, is a somewhat useful phenomenon. It provides an opportunity to raise children in a legal marriage and a complete family.
The role of the husband in Muslim marriage
The Qur'an preaches equality between a man and a woman. However, historically, the spouse has a leading role in the family. On how a man copes with the role of husband and father, his social status depends.
The husband must ensure the material well-being of his family, be the defender of his own home, and fulfill the duties of his father. The best gift for children that a parent can give is an excellent education and upbringing of moral principles among the young generation. It also depends on the father’s decision at what age his daughters will marry.
How Islam treats the duties of wives
Early marriages in Muslim countries imply complete obedience to the head of the family. A true believer should be a good wife, mother, and successfully housekeeping. The woman is also entrusted with the religious and moral education of children.
Today, many Muslim women receive education. However, this does not at all deny their modesty and restraint in communicating with others. Being in society, a woman should dress in such a way as not to cause temptation in other men. The head of a Muslim woman should be covered with a scarf or veil, her arms and legs completely closed (to the wrists and ankles, respectively). Sometimes it is necessary to cover your face with a veil or veil.
The customs of early marriages in Muslim countries regarding wives are similar to European ones. Becoming a mother, a woman is burdened with great responsibility. With the birth of a child, she is obliged to provide him with the following rights:
- The right to life and equality in the family.
- Right to legality - the child must bear the name of his father.
- The right to excellent upbringing and education.
- The right to security.
Negative results of unions with minors
The adverse effects of early marriages in Muslim countries are justified by the data of the European Bureau of the World Health Organization. According to the analysis of interviewed young women who were married before the age of eighteen, negative results relate to the physical and mental health of young girls. They are deprived of childhood, and many of them are subject to psychological and sexual abuse. Young wives often suffer from sexually transmitted diseases.
In addition, the body of an immature girl is not adapted for childbearing. There were cases when a wife died from internal bleeding or at the birth of a child.
According to WHO, early marriages in Muslim countries are a violation of human rights, a threat to the health and safety of adolescents.
Divorce proceedings
Muslim divorce is almost always initiated by the husband. Sometimes a simple oral statement repeated three times in public is enough. However, the legal justification for a divorce requires a lot of money and good reason. The following phenomena may be conditions for divorce from Muslims:
- Violation of the obligations of the spouses.
- Apostasy of a wife or husband.
- Cheating on one of the spouses.
- Physical and mental illness.
You can also terminate nicknames in such circumstances:
- Fear of disagreements between spouses in the future.
- Infringement of the rights of one of the spouses.
- Disgust or hostility of the couple to each other.
- Adultery of one of the spouses.
However, in the case of early marriages in Muslim countries, divorce proceedings are almost impossible. A minor wife does not have any rights in her husband’s house due to her minority. The husband does not want to part with the toy until the compelling circumstances force him to agree to divorce.
Modern Muslim Society and Early Marriages
Nikah is a simple rite of no legal force. Today, after observing a beautiful tradition, the newlyweds must register their relationship with the registry office. A marriage certificate, wedding rings and a wedding waltz are a solemn tradition of the official recognition of the marriage. Thus, the marriage of modern believers is divided into two stages: traditional and official.
As evidenced by photos from early marriages in Muslim countries, such a celebration usually pleases a young bride who perceives the event as a beautiful fairy tale. Her fate is a foregone conclusion, and sometimes not very joyful. But now she is happy because she is the main character at the holiday.