Source: Aljazeera
London, England – When Maureen wed her husband Rashid in a Muslim ceremony in 1973 in Bradford, she knew that should the relationship fall apart, she would not be entitled to share his assets.
Her marriage was sanctified in the eyes of God, but in the eyes of the state it was “unregistered”, not legal; thus, financial protections codified in law to protect married couples headed for divorce did not apply to her.
The couple separated in 1987 and Rashid died the following year in a car accident.
Maureen and her then 12-year-old son, Conor, were forcibly evicted from their family home in Bradford registered in her husband’s name. They were left homeless and without any financial support because Maureen’s marriage was not recognised by English family law.
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Categories: Europe, Shariah Law, The Muslim Times, UK
If you live in a certain country, you have an obligation to know, understand and incorporate those marriage laws when you marry. it is most often for your own protection and your children’s protection. American Muslims have a marriage contract signed along WITH their marriage recorded in the state that they marry. If you are a woman, especially, make sure you have this matter completed when you marry.
I agree that all Muslims marrying (a first wife) in the UK should at first seek the proper registration. For second marriages, which (at the moment) cannot be registered there should be a compulsary information session, so that the (second) wife knows fully well what she is getting into (or rather not getting). Steps should be taken to balance the entitlements with wills and investments etc.
Usually, they do not care for the Law of land and refuse to register a marriage.Had she been married by law, she would have been eligible for her legal rights.
Obviously, a second marriage is a disservice to family and future generation, in this time and space.