The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Muslim Personal Law Board responds

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 06, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Muslim Personal Law Board responds

The Hinduis the most respected daily of India for its fair reporting, objective remarks, and balanced views. It is sad to note that all these norms have been trampled upon in the editorial of May 5, 2005, titled "Three Words Still Means Divorce."

The nikahnamaprescribes mutual efforts for amicable settlement of any vital difference arising between the couple, then involvement of the elders of their families and elders of their society or locality.

If still vital differences remain, the couple has been advised to consult Darul Qaza or Shariah Panchayat or a local Islamic scholar to know the Shariah method of separation. This process does not leave any room for triple divorce. The declaration in the nikahnamaalso makes it incumbent on the couple to refer their dispute to Darul Qaza or Shariah Panchayat for arbitration.

The comment in the editorial, "Arbitration by a cleric tends to put women at a built-in disadvantage" is unfortunate and unfounded. If one studies the verdicts of various Darul Qazas functioning in the country, one will certainly come to the conclusion that these institutions are the proper fora for women to have their grievances redressed and their disputes settled in a just manner. It is unfortunate that the editorial cites the opinion of Awaz-e-Niswan, thus revealing a tilt towards those groups that desire abolition of the Shariah.

The cartoon on the editorial page is in bad taste. Mohd. Abdul Rahim Quraishi, Secretary, All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Hyderabad.

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