Addressing the misconceptions on reform to MMDA
Featured image is of my friend Sineen's nikah signing in India. The registrar, and two witnesses approach the groom in his section. The registrar says the brides name and asks him for his consent to marry her. He says khabool hai three times, and signs the certificate. Then they go to women’s section and approach the bride. They ask her whether she consents to marry the groom. She replies khabool hai three times and signs the certificate.
Featured image is of my friend Sineen's nikah signing in India. The registrar, and two witnesses approach the groom in his section. The registrar says the brides name and asks him for his consent to marry her. He says khabool hai three times, and signs the certificate. Then they go to women’s section and approach the bride. They ask her whether she consents to marry the groom. She replies khabool hai three times and signs the certificate.
The pending reforms to the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) have resulted in both interest and controversy from within and outside the Muslim community in Sri Lanka. Some members of the community, perceive the reforms to be a result of ‘western/NGO’ pressure, whilst others believe that the reform is long overdue. In the ensuing debate there have been many perceptions and misconceptions regarding the process, of which some I intend addressing.