When it comes to marriage, sunni and shia law can differ significantly.
Marriage, Sunni, and Shia laws can differ significantly.
Here's a look at some of the key ways in which they differ.
When it comes to marriage, Sunni and Shia law can differ significantly. Here's a look at some of the key ways in which they differ. The biggest difference between Sunni and Shia marriage laws is that both Sunni and Shia Islamic traditions support divorce under certain circumstances.
According to Sunni law, divorce does not require legal action as long as both parties are agreeable to the divorce and do not have any disputes over children or property issues. On the other hand, Shia law requires that a religious leader sign off on the divorce as well as provide certain safeguards for women and their children.
How men from each sect can have multiple wives
In Sunni Islam, a man can have up to four wives at one time, as long as he can financially support them all. Shia Islam generally allows a man to have only one wife, but there are some exceptions. For example, if a Shia man's first wife is unable to bear children, he may be allowed to take a second wife who can.
How men from each sect cannot have multiple wives
In Sunni Islam, a man is allowed to have up to four wives at one time, as long as he can treat them all fairly. Shia Islam, on the other hand, does not allow men to have more than one wife.
This is because Shia Muslims believe that Muhammad intended for men to only have one wife.
While a man from either sect can marry a woman from either sect (two sentences), A woman from either sect can only marry a man from her own sect.
Is a polyamory relationship troublesome?
Legality of female custody
In Sunni Islam, a woman's father or guardian may legally marry her without her consent.
whereas in Shia Islam, consent from the woman is required. Additionally, under Sunni law, a man may divorce his wife without her consent, whereas under Shia law, both parties must agree to the divorce. Furthermore, Sunni men are allowed to have up to four wives at one time, while Shia men are only allowed to have one wife.
Legality of Dowry
In Sunni Islam, dowry is legal and often encouraged. Shia Muslims, on the other hand, believe that dowry is a form of bribery and therefore illegal. This difference can lead to conflict within families if a Sunni man marries a Shia woman and her family demands a dowry.
In Sunni Islam, polygamy is allowed, whereas in Shia Islam it is not. This means that a Sunni man can have up to four wives at any one time, whereas a Shia man can only have one wife.
Legality of Nikah Mut‘ah
In Sunni Islam, nikah mut‘ah is a temporary marriage that is often used for pleasure or convenience rather than procreation. This type of marriage is not allowed under Shia law.
Legality of Oral Divorce (talaq)
Sunni Muslims believe that oral divorce is legal, while Shia Muslims do not. This means that Sunni Muslims can end their marriages simply by saying I divorce you three times, while Shia Muslims must go through a more formal process.
Who has the Right to Initiate a Divorce?
In Sunni Islam, either the husband or wife has the right to initiate a divorce. In Shia Islam.
However, only the husband has this right. This difference stems from the different interpretations of Quranic verses on divorce.
The legal age for Marriage
In Sunni Islam, the legal age for marriage is 18 for men and 16 for women. Shia Muslims have no set age limit for marriage, but most Imams will not perform a marriage ceremony unless both parties are considered to be of legal age according to their respective countries laws.
Other legal Differences between sunnis and shias
- Sunni Muslims allow polygamy, while Shia Muslims do not.
- Sunni Muslims require a dowry from the bride's family, while Shia Muslims do not.
- Sunni Muslims allow divorce under certain circumstances, while Shia Muslims do not.
- Sunni Muslims permit temporary marriages, while Shia Muslims do not.
- Sunni and Shia Muslims have different rules regarding who can marry whom.
