Nikahs ie marriages in a typical Muslim society in Tamil Nadu has always been more than a ritual. The ambience, the spectacle, the revered silence maintained by the huge gatherings in the Mosques, the recital of the quranic verses etc. etc make the wedding experience unique and unforgettable.
When the Imam or Qazi asks the bride-groom 'Kya Aapne Qubool kya?' the bride-groom mutters his consent and signs in the register in the Mosque itself. It is the most defining moment of one's life. That is the moment when you take a new entrant in your life as your life-mate and soul-mate for the rest of your life.
In fact, ask any Muslim, he will remember distinctly his moment- the moment when he uttered those words : "Haan Main ne qabool kya"
Everything is passé now.
A new law promulgated by the Tamil Nadu Government is all set to rob away the niceties of the ceremony. Instead of pious, heavenly Imam Sahib of your Mosque you may have to answer the queries of a government servant, in this case Sub-registrar. Compare the ambience of the Mosque with that of a government building.
The Tamil Nadu Government has come out with a new law Registration of Marriages Act 2009 of Tamil Nadu. It has been enforced in Tamil Nadu from 24th November, 2009. The intention of the government is laudable. But, the Muslim community is perplexed. While on one hand it views and perceives the DMK Government as friendly one. On the other hand doubts are being raised over certain provisions of the aforesaid law. There is also fear of Uniform civil code looming large over the community.
It should be noted that there is time-tested, successful, and age old tradition of registering each and every marriages solemnized in the Mosques in vogue in Tamil Nadu.
Amidst this scenario, a large number of Muslim Ulema, Muthawallis and social activists, in a joint meeting held at Vellore on January 14, rejected the newly enacted Registration of Marriages Act 2009 of Tamil Nadu. V. M. Khaleelur Rahman, a freelance journalist and blogger has given a detailed report of this meeting in his blog. Excerpts from his report: Click here