AIMPLB unveils model nikahnama

NDTV: "All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) today unveiled the long-awaited model nikahnama granting extensive rights to women.

AIMPLB said its "voluntary" guidelines would go a long way in enhancing harmony and minimising disputes between the couples.

The main objective of the model nikahnama, purely voluntary without any binding force, is to bring uniformity in procedure for marriages, AIMPLB Convenor Shamshuddin Afridi said while giving a detailed account of the guidelines.

Aiming to end possible disputes arising out of marriages, the nikahnama provides for preparing written records of all marriages with copies of agreement handed over to the groom and the bride, he said.

Another copy of the agreement could be kept for record by the government, if required, Afridi added.

The guidelines also make it mandatory for the parents or guardians of the couple to be present during the marriage, Afridi said adding that both these provisions discourage forced marriages.

The nikahnama prescribes for the mehar (money extended by the groom to bride's family as security) to be preferably in the form of gold, silver or immovable property - details of which would be specified in the agreement.

Apart from incorporating hidayat (advice) to the married couple to follow in case of disputes, the guidelines fix roles of each of the partners, Afridi said.

The women have been defined as 'owner of the household' responsible for looking after its affairs, while the men have been made responsible to earn and run the family, he said.

While efforts have been made to minimise scope for disputes, procedures have been laid down for divorce, which has been made the last resort, he said.

The nikahnama also proposes to generate coordination among the couple as proper communication between the two would eliminate chances of disputes, he said.

Regarding memorandum submitted by women's groups, AIMPLB Convenor said most of their suggestions had already been incorporated in the model 'nikahnama'.

The two-day board's meeting that began on Saturday, discussed host of other issues relating to social evils like dowry, drug abuse among the youth and property rights."