CII Declares Minimum Marriage Age Bill Against Islamic Teachings
News Desk
Islamabad: The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) on Tuesday rejected the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025, which seeks to fix the minimum marriage age at 18, declaring it un-Islamic, according to a statement from the CII media wing.
The bill, introduced by MNA Sharmila Faruqui in the National Assembly and passed by both the National Assembly and Senate, was criticized by the CII for conflicting with Islamic injunctions. The council, chaired by Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi, stated that the bill’s clauses—specifically those defining marriage below 18 as child abuse and prescribing punishments—do not align with Islamic teachings.
While the CII acknowledged problems related to underage marriages and recommended discouraging the practice, the council as a whole rejected the bill. The statement also noted that the bill had not been referred to the CII for consultation prior to its passage.
Similarly, the CII dismissed a draft Child Marriage Restraining Bill submitted by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, saying it too conflicted with Islamic principles.
On another note, the CII decided that mandatory Thalassemia screening before marriage should remain optional, not compulsory, emphasizing that Nikah should be free from complications in accordance with Islamic teachings. Instead, the council recommended awareness campaigns to address the issue.
The CII also expressed concern over irresponsible media reporting on court rulings, citing the Lahore High Court’s decision on Khula as an example.
Regarding dowry, the council reaffirmed that demanding or forcing dowry is against Islamic teachings and urged parents to make decisions about marriage rituals in accordance with Islamic principles.
Responding to a Supreme Court query, the CII stated that it should be a woman’s choice whether to apply for a domicile in her husband’s native district after marriage or retain her previous domicile.
The council also formed a committee to review and improve the performance and administration of the Auqaf department, with recommendations expected soon. Additionally, another committee was established to draft comprehensive Muslim Family Laws.
Further, the CII proposed amendments to clause 7 of the Muslim Family (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and declared that a divorced woman cannot claim “Nan Nufqa” after completing the “Iddat” period. The council also rejected the concept of Matrimonial as part of its discussions.
