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Muslim couples to wed in cyberspace: Hindustan Times
Lucknow, June 28: The veil could finally be lifting on Muslim marriages. After a fierce controversy, the clergy in Uttar Pradesh have given their nod to cyber nikahs.
Lucknow, June 28: The veil could finally be lifting on Muslim marriages. After a fierce controversy, the clergy in Uttar Pradesh have given their nod to cyber nikahs.
The break from time-hallowed tradition was agreed upon at the 13th Jurist Seminar of Islamic Fiaq Academy recently. Syed Maulana Rabey Hasni Nadwi, President of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, is among several eminent scholars who have given their blessings to the space-age nikah.
The move follows closely on the heels of a decision to allow Muslim marriages to be solemnised over the phone. Both these changes are expected to bring about a spurt in global matrimonial alliances within the community.
Khalid Rashid, member of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, is however at pains to point out that the newly approved cyber nikah would be valid only for couples separated by vast distances that make physical attendance impossible. Under the new laws, the man desirous of getting married would be required to send in his consent to an authorised person via e-mail. To make the changes truly hi-tech, a provision has also been made for voice mails that may be validated by a person who recognises the bridegroom's voice.
The consent, in whatever form, is then to be communicated to a clergyman in front of two witnesses and a 'Wakeel' or relative representing the girl.
'Ijab-e-Qubul'(proposal and acceptance) is similarly possible through mail and no longer require actual appearance before the Maulvi.
Forced marriages however continue to be considered un-Islamic even under the new arrangements. It will be mandatory for the groom to submit an undertaking that he doesn't have more than three wives at the time of proposing marriage to a girl.
The break from time-hallowed tradition was agreed upon at the 13th Jurist Seminar of Islamic Fiaq Academy recently. Syed Maulana Rabey Hasni Nadwi, President of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, is among several eminent scholars who have given their blessings to the space-age nikah.
The move follows closely on the heels of a decision to allow Muslim marriages to be solemnised over the phone. Both these changes are expected to bring about a spurt in global matrimonial alliances within the community.
Khalid Rashid, member of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, is however at pains to point out that the newly approved cyber nikah would be valid only for couples separated by vast distances that make physical attendance impossible. Under the new laws, the man desirous of getting married would be required to send in his consent to an authorised person via e-mail. To make the changes truly hi-tech, a provision has also been made for voice mails that may be validated by a person who recognises the bridegroom's voice.
The consent, in whatever form, is then to be communicated to a clergyman in front of two witnesses and a 'Wakeel' or relative representing the girl.
'Ijab-e-Qubul'(proposal and acceptance) is similarly possible through mail and no longer require actual appearance before the Maulvi.
Forced marriages however continue to be considered un-Islamic even under the new arrangements. It will be mandatory for the groom to submit an undertaking that he doesn't have more than three wives at the time of proposing marriage to a girl.