Illegal Marriage Syndicates In Thailand Pose Religious, Legal Risks – Marhamah

KOTA BHARU, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysians who use illegal syndicates to arrange marriages in southern Thailand risk facing religious and legal implications if their marriage solemnisation is not conducted by an accredited kadi (Muslim marriage solemniser).

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli said couples planning to marry abroad should ensure that the person solemnising their marriage was accredited to avoid problems when registering it in Malaysia.

She said the courts would scrutinise the list of accredited kadi during the marriage registration process and consider the implications for the marriage's validity under Islamic law.

“I am speaking based on the provisions of the law. In Malaysia, there is a list of accredited kadi. So, anyone planning to marry abroad must ensure that the kadi handling the marriage is accredited.

“My advice to everyone planning to get married is to do so honestly and in accordance with the law. We should not think only about the marriage itself, but also about the lineage of any children born from it,” she told reporters after attending the YADEM visit programme in Kampung Kedai Buluh here today.

Marhamah said marriages that did not comply with Islamic requirements could raise questions about their validity and have implications for the couples involved.

Meanwhile, she urged Muslims to avoid activities that could undermine their faith and tauhid (belief in the oneness of Allah), including Halloween celebrations, which were becoming increasingly popular, particularly among young people.

She said the public should assess activities against Islamic principles before participating, as trends spread through social media could encourage people to follow foreign cultural practices without considering their compatibility with religious requirements.

“My reminder is not just for young people but for all segments of society. Before doing anything, we must first ensure that it falls within the framework of Islamic law. This is very important because we must safeguard our faith and tauhid.

“Cultural events and festivals are now difficult to control. Whenever someone organises something and it goes viral, everyone wants to follow. So, let us take care of ourselves, because what we do today will shape future generations,” she said.

Marhamah said parents also played an important role in teaching their children what was permitted and prohibited under Islam, adding that there were many other activities they could enjoy without adopting cultural practices that could affect their faith.

-- BERNAMA