Why are there arranged marriages in Afghanistan?
Afghan women and girls are being forced into arranged marriages to settle things such as debt and to secure stable futures for themselves or their families. Often these girls are targets for physical and mental abuse with little or no way out.
How does marriage work in Afghanistan?
In Afghan weddings, the bride and groom are traditionally kept in separate rooms. The bride is represented in the Nikah by her father or a close male relative. The Nikah is negotiated before the mullah between the groom and bride’s representative. The groom is asked three times if he accepts the terms of the marriage.
Are there arranged marriages in Afghanistan?
Forced marriage in Iraq and Afghanistan is an unfortunate commonality, largely because of religious beliefs but also because girls lack opportunities for independence. In Afghanistan, although there are laws in place that make it illegal to marry anyone under age 18, they rarely experience enforcement.
Why do Afghans marry their cousins?
Marriage between first cousins is common in Afghanistan because families believe it is better to know their in-laws well. The two families live in the same modest housing compound in Kabul. “It’s a very common problem.
How many wives can a man have in Afghanistan?
The Republic of Afghanistan, which is an Islamic Republic under Sharia Law, allows for polygyny. Afghan men may take up to four wives, as Islam allows for such.
At what age do girls get married in Afghanistan?
Child marriages are illegal but widespread in Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s minimum age of marriage for girls is 16 or 15 well below the internationally recommended standard of 18. These unions mainly happen in rural areas, especially along the borders with Pakistan.
Who pays dowry in Afghanistan?
In Afghanistan, a marriage typically requires two kinds of payments: a mahr, which typically consists of livestock, property and money, and in practice often takes the form of a bride price paid to the woman’s family; and a dowry brought by the bride to her husband’s home which may include various goods such as …
What is the average age of marriage in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan has one of the highest proportions of young people in the world—many of whom have known only war. The median age of the population is 15.6 years old, the median age of marriage is 18, and half of mothers surveyed during a country-wide mortality survey had their first child when they were teenagers.
How many wives can you have in Qatar?
four wives
Under Islamic law, men can have as many as four wives. However, most men have only one. Many women prefer to be an only wife, and Islamic law dictates that wives must be treated equally and can veto an additional wife.
How does a foreign couple get married in Afghanistan?
If both parties are non-Muslim foreigners, the court will register the marriage by performing solely the igaba wa qabul or acceptance agreement without the other half of the typical Muslim religious ceremony. The court will also seek to apply the regulations governing marriage in the couples’ home country.
How old do you have to be to get married in Afghanistan?
Child Marriage A formal marriage or an informed union before the age of 18. According to Article 70 of the Afghan civil law, child marriage for girls is considered to be before the age of 16 since the legal marriageable age is 16 for girls and 18 for boys.
Where can I get a marriage certificate in Afghanistan?
For example, although Afghan law permits polygamy, American men will not be allowed to marry multiple women. The Afghan marriage certificate is a legal document in Afghanistan. If the couple needs to use it outside Afghanistan, it should be notarized at the Embassy or Consulate of the foreign country where the marriage certificate will be used.
How much does it cost for a wedding in Afghanistan?
The price tag for the wedding, especially in Kabul, can easily top 10,000 USD; a small fortune in a country where the gross domestic product per capita in 2015 was 623.90 US dollars (see: here ). Even if the actual wedding costs are less in rural areas, the overall costs are pushed up by the bride price.