Several mufti offer differing views on minimum marriage age for girls

KUALA LUMPUR: Mufti nationwide have different views on the Federal Government’s proposal to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18.

Some of them hope it will protect children from being exploited. However, there are views that such a move contradicts syariah laws and encourages adultery.

Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri said the minimum age of marriage was included in the Taqyid al-Mubah (tying something permissible with something beneficial).

He said: “The government needs to formulate a law that celebrates ‘Maqasid Syariah’. Child marriage, with the exception of certain cases, is not allowed. What had taken place are isolated cases (as reported),” he told the New Straits Times Press.

Kelantan Mufti Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad said: “If we feel the need for amendments (to marriage age limit), we recommend it to the state government. We have no problem because it is allowed in Islam.”

Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor and Negri Sembilan Mufti Datuk Mohd Yusof Ahmad said the proposal was appropriate to curb the exploitation of children.

Wan Salim said Islamic religious figures said a person could marry when he reached puberty, but it was not mandatory.

As such, he said the authorities were allowed to make a resolution to ensure children’s interests were protected.

Yusof said the suggestion to increase the marriage age limit could protect the welfare of children who might be victims of arranged marriages.

Pahang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Osman, however, was against the proposal.

He questioned the situation where an underage girl found herself pregnant out of wedlock.

“The most appropriate way is to get hitched after obtaining the syariah court’s permission.

Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria was also against the proposal as it could lead to premarital sex.

“Those who have reached puberty are allowed to get married. Girls normally reach puberty at 14. However, I don’t agree if the girl marries someone who is too old.”

Sabah Mufti Datuk Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar said standard operating procedures on marriages involving underage children should be tightened.