Muslim couple in Kerala remarries after 29 years for daughters’ sake; stirs a storm on the internet

By Shahnaz On Mar 9, 2023

Image Source: TWITTER/@VISHALTAYWADE7 Muslim couple from Kerala remarried on International Women’s Day for financial security of daughters

While we have seen many other mundane things happening, International Women’s Day on March 8 witnessed a unique ‘wedding’ in Kerala’s Kasaragod district where a couple married for nearly 29 years got married once for the sake of their three daughters. Again performed the rites of their union. This time, he took the oath under the Special Marriage Act to ensure the financial security of his daughters – a move that has received both criticism and approval on social media.

Kasargod was an eminent lawyer. Shukkur married Dr Sheena in October 1994 and their marriage was officiated by Indian Union Muslim League Supreme Leader Panakkar Syed Hyder Ali Shihab Thangal. However, the marriage took place under Sharia law and according to Muslim personal law, daughters receive only two-thirds of their father’s property, the rest going to his brothers.

The couple, to ensure that their hard-earned money goes to their children, have remarried under the Special Marriage Act, which states that any person’s property under it can be inherited by an Indian. shall be governed by the Succession Act.

However, a leading Sunni institute of higher learning in Kerala opined that the couple’s decision was an attempt to disrespect Muslim personal laws and Islam. It said the remarriage was a “drama” and a sign of “narrow-mindedness” that Shukur’s brothers should not receive a third of his estate after his death.

While the institution was of the view that every believer would strongly oppose the couple’s decision, Shukur reacted to it on his Facebook page, saying that the educational institution would be responsible for any physical assault by those who “opposed”. misinterpret the word. He also said that his decision was not intended to disrespect any religious beliefs or break the morale of believers and therefore, no “forceful opposition” was needed. He also hoped that the law enforcers, the police would pay attention to such statements.

Meanwhile, renowned Indian film sound designer Resul Pukutty took to social media to support the couple’s decision, calling it an “eye-opening” move for every liberal Muslim in the country. “The step he has taken today is an eye opener for every liberal Muslim in this country.

I could not be with him for his “second marriage” but I have stood by him in spirit and courage.

All the best to you and your “newly married wife” and accompanying family,” Pukutty said in a Facebook post. Supporters of the couple’s move also slammed the organization’s statement.

In its statement, the organization also alleged that the Venusians are using the religion for their own benefit and this will not affect the true believers. It further states that if the lawyer wants to leave all his wealth and property to his daughters, why not distribute it during his lifetime.

Meanwhile, advocate and actor C Shukkur’s wife Sheena is the former pro-vice chancellor of the Kottayam-headquartered Mahatma Gandhi University. C Shukur is known for his role as a lawyer in the Kunchakko Boban starrer ‘Na Than Kes Kodu’ (Then Sue Me).

(With inputs from IANS and PTI)