The death certificate of a Muslim deceased person states”Never Married” despite the deceased being married for many years according to Islamic rights.
It is another great milestone for Al Jama-ah who played an important role in speeding up the legislation of the Muslim Marriages Bill.
The Party went a step further by successfully requesting that the South African Law Commission extend the deadline for comments on the Bill to allow more public participation.
The South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) has called for comments on its discussion paper focusing on a Single Marriage Statute for South Africa Isbn: 978-0-621-49077-0 (January 2021).
This public participation process presents an opportunity for interested parties to have their voices heard and concerns considered by SALRC. The bills seek to provide for the recognition, in terms of option one, of protected relationships or, in terms of option two, of marriages and life partnerships, entered into by parties regardless of the religious, cultural or any other beliefs of the parties, or the manner in which the relationship was entered into.
The Bill requires attention if it is to achieve its intended purpose. Therefore, public participation is of vital importance. After consultation with members of the Muslim community, there are areas which is required to be addressed prior to the Bill’s enactment in order to allow for the proper implementation of all individual’s commitment to the Bill, without infringing on an individual’s Constitutional rights.
Al Jamah-ah Political Party has identified certain sections and areas which prove to be inconsistent with the Islamic Legal System and rulings.
It is concerning that the relevant sections show inconsistency with the Islamic Legal system and rulings. This will mean that our Muslim marriages may only be conducted in terms of the above and should any marriage officer not comply with the act, such marriage officer is deemed to have committed an offense even though he has fulfilled all the requirements of a marriage in terms of Islamic rulings.
It is thus that Al Jama-ah appeals to the community at large to urgently peruse the relevant Single Marriage Statute Bill and forward their comments to the South African Law Commission via email: [email protected]
Alternatively, you may send your comments to Al Jama-ah Political party via email at [email protected]. Contact person Ayesha Allie Patel
A digital copy is available on our website www.aljama.co.za.
Closing date for comments: 17 May 2021