Adviser finds sections of Muslim family law contradict Islam

Many provisions of the Muslim Family Law of 1961 are in conflict with Islamic principles, said Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain, adding that the law was imposed by force by then military ruler Ayub Khan, ignoring objections from scholars.

Dr Khalid made the remarks on Monday evening while serving as the chief guest at a national seminar titled “Muslim Family Law: Perspectives on Bangladesh” held at the main auditorium of the National Museum. The event was organised by the Bangladesh Masjid Mission.

The Adviser said that numerous sections of the 1961 law are directly opposed to Islamic Sharia. “At the time, Ulama held movements, seminars, and symposiums to oppose this law, but they could not prevent it. Ayub Khan passed it by force,” he said.

Dr Khalid also criticized the arbitrary use of divorce and certain practices in marriage. “After a divorce, children and spouses suffer emotionally. Some misinterpret Sharia to force women into remarriage, which is insulting to women and harmful to Islam,” he said.

On the question of enforcing Islamic punishment, Dr Khalid clarified, “No scholar or mufti has the authority to impose penal codes under Sharia. They can issue fatwas and explain the Quran and Hadith. Courts decide, and the administration implements the verdict. Everyone must be cautious in this regard.”

The Adviser addressed calls for introducing Sharia law, saying, “I have been advocating this for 54 years. I have no objection to the demand, but as long as most parliamentary seats are not held by those who follow Sharia, it will not succeed. This requires a long-term project. The state structure cannot be changed by just one or two people.”

He added, “After 54 years of oppression, Islamic power is gaining courage. A new sun is rising in the eastern horizon; now we must maintain unity.”

The seminar was chaired by Bangladesh Masjid Mission President Principal Maulana Zainul Abedin. The main article, “Muslim Family Law: Perspective of Bangladesh,” was presented by former International Islamic University professor Dr. ABM Mahbubul Islam. The keynote speaker was Islamic University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Naqib Mohammad Nasrullah. Special guests included Islamic Arabic University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shamsul Alam and Professor Dr. Mohammad Shahidul Islam.