Man, child bride ordered to show up at syariah court

KOTA BARU: A 41-year-old man and his 11-year-old bride have been ordered to present themselves at the syariah court yesterday.

This is to enable the court to verify the validity of their marriage as it took place in Thailand, said Kelantan Mufti Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad.

In accordance with existing provisions, he said only the syariah court had the jurisdiction to do so in this matter.

“In terms of Islamic law, if there is consent from the guardian (of the child), then there is no issue, but if the marriage involves a child, one must obtain the syariah court’s permission.

“The rules are in place to ensure those minors are cared for. If the marriage is inappropriate, the court would not permit it,” he said.

He added that the syariah court would have to be careful as to whether the marriage in the neighbouring country was done in accordance with standard operating procedures, including the relevant distance, guardianship and the imam or the tok kadi (marriage solemniser) involved.

“These are among the steps that we need to look into in referring the matter to the authorities in Thailand,” he said.

Asked on the man’s promised that they would only begin married life in five years, Mohamad said the matter was up to the individuals.

“It is a promise. If he breaks it than he has not adhered to it (the promise).

“However, from an Islamic law point of view, their marriage is valid and they can stay together.

“The question is whether their marriage status is (legally) valid.

“This needs to be reviewed and referred to by the court.”