New Delhi, September 6 (Daily Kiran) : The National Muslim Forum has expressed its support for a newly proposed marriage contract format by the Uttarakhand Waqf Board. Dr. Shalini Ali, the forum’s national convenor, stated that this initiative could significantly strengthen the rights of Muslim women, particularly in areas concerning inheritance and marital security.
In an interview, Dr. Ali emphasized the importance of the contract, or nikahnama, noting that under Sharia law, Muslim women are entitled to a share of their father’s property. She highlighted that the preparations being made under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aim to ensure respect for all women. The model nikahnama being developed in Uttarakhand should be welcomed, she added.
Dr. Ali explained, “A nikahnama is a contract wherein a woman can include her own conditions. Many women sign it without reading, but it serves to protect them. Everyone has the right to strengthen this contract. If the government is taking steps in this direction, we welcome it.”
She further mentioned that the model nikahnama will be presented to the UCC committee for discussion and will be introduced after consultations with scholars. This effort aims to support future generations of daughters, providing them with opportunities and security. Dr. Ali believes that such a model should be implemented across all states.
Targeting those who oppose the initiative, she criticized certain clerics who, in her view, exploit the situation for political gain. “Islam grants women a high status, yet we still see issues like triple talaq and women being denied their inheritance rights. This is unfortunate. We must separate the views of such clerics and focus on how to secure our daughters’ futures. Women should read, understand, and add their conditions to the nikahnama to avoid future difficulties.”
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