DIVORCED COUPLES URGED TO CONFIRM DIVORCE LEGALLY TO AVOID FUTURE DISPUTES

By Adnan Mohamad

KOTA BHARU, March 29 (Bernama) -- Divorced couples are reminded not to settle their divorce privately without going through legal channels, as doing so can confuse their marital status and affect the position of their children.

Kelantan Islamic Development, Da’wah, Information and Public Relations Committee chairman Mohd Asri Mat Daud said every divorce, including those involving “taklik” (conditional) clauses, must be confirmed at an Islamic religious office or Syariah Court to prevent misunderstandings and potential slander.

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He cited a case in which a woman remarried before her previous divorce was officially confirmed in court, leading to allegations that she had two husbands.

“The confirmation of a taklik divorce that is not made in court can be confusing. This matter should be referred to and confirmed at a religious office so as not to cause slander.

“From a religious perspective, the new marriage is valid if it meets the pillars and conditions, but problems arise when the previous divorce is not legally confirmed,” he told Bernama.

In Kelantan, Mohd Asri said the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAHEAIK) is investigating such cases by summoning imams, kadis, and marriage officials involved in the marriage contract to obtain further information.

“The number of cases is small, but the religious department will take statements from all involved to ensure accurate information.

“Witnesses will also be called, and the couples may be instructed to live separately (mufaraqah) temporarily until the investigation concludes. We urge the community not to place blame until the investigation is complete,” he said.

Addressing allegations of potential fraud involving fake divorce or death certificates, he said these cases exist but are few and manageable.

“There are isolated cases involving syndicates or document fraud, but they are not widespread. The situation only becomes alarming when it spreads on social media,” he added.

He advised couples facing marital problems or divorce to seek advice from the religious department and ensure all matters are resolved according to legal procedures to avoid complications in the future.

-- BERNAMA