Sharia experts are calling for strict regulations amid a growing trend of unsanctioned Islamic marriages

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 3 — Marriage decisions made out of a desire for a quicker and easier process or even out of fear for one’s spouse are becoming increasingly common reasons for Muslims to marry without official permission, regardless of whether in the country , or abroad, according to Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, president of the Federal Territories Syariah Bar Association.

Malay every day Utusan Malaysia Zainul Rijal reported today, expressing concern about the long-term consequences of such actions, especially with regard to origin.

“Laws and regulations are intended to protect the interests of parties and religions, such as origin.

“The permission is needed to ensure that the person has never been married, has not been a widow or has not wanted to be polygamous,” he was quoted as saying, referring to Muslim marriages.

Utusan Malaysia It was previously reported that Sharia courts received a total of 30,279 applications for marriage confirmation over the five-year period from Muslim couples who had fled the country or married without official consent, whether in the country or abroad.

This number includes couples who have previously married, whether it was their first marriage or a polygamous union. The religion allows Muslim men to marry a maximum of four wives.

Islamic Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar stressed the importance of regulating the marital affairs of Muslims in the country to adhere to Sharia’s “maqasid” and address the five “maslahah”, especially to preserve religion, lineage and property.

He stressed that in Malaysia, Muslim couples must undergo mandatory HIV testing to ensure the well-being of both themselves and their future children.

“All these tests are important for long-term well-being. Many decide to get married and run away without thinking about the bad consequences that will come later,” he was quoted as saying.

Expressing concern over the perceived complexity of marriage law, Malaysian Sharia Lawyers Association president Tuan Musa Awang noted that some Muslims choose to marry abroad, such as in Thailand, to avoid what they perceive as burdensome legal provisions.

“Some people believe that the applicable regulations are very troublesome and burdensome,” he is quoted as saying.

He urged the government to work with state authorities to negotiate with neighboring countries on marriage procedures, ensuring that couples marrying abroad would respect the rules of both the host country and the country of origin.