First batch of Muslim marriage certificates issued
The Department of Home Affairs issued the first batch of 33 certificates for Muslim marriages on Friday, reports The Citizen.
This comes after changes were made to the department’s internal systems. The first such certificate, with the entry ‘Muslim marriage’ was issued earlier this month to a couple whose Islamic marriage was performed at Cravenby Estate in the Western Cape.
Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber said while the issuing of certificates comes hundreds of years later than it should have, it was a major step towards enhancing the dignity of the community.
‘Home Affairs stands at the ready to assist all clients who similarly wish to have a Muslim marriage formally recognised,’ Schreiber said.
Schreiber said the department has enabled its systems to retroactively recognise Islamic marriages.
‘At a fee of R20, clients can request a reprint of their marriage certificate specifying that they wish to change the wording to reflect that it is an Islamic marriage.
Al-Jama-ah Member of Parliament (MP), Advocate Shameemah Salie, said the party is ecstatic at the reconfiguration of the marriage certificate for Muslim marriages.
‘Although it has been a long wait for a Muslim marriage certificate in line with Islamic Shari’ah Law, the party is pleased that it has been done the proper way.’
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
