Navigating the complexities of divorce can be a daunting journey, especially when it involves understanding the nuances of Muslim law in a multicultural society like Singapore. As such, seeking the expertise of experienced divorce lawyers is essential to guide you through this challenging process.
To support your journey, this guide breaks down the intricacies of Muslim divorces in Singapore, offering an overview of the legal landscape, to help you navigate your journey with confidence and clarity.
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Syariah law, also known as Islamic law or Sharia, is a legal framework based on Islamic principles and teachings derived from the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). It is meant to cover all aspects of a believer’s life. That said, in Singapore, the areas of Syariah law which have been codified in legislation relate only to the practice of family law. This governs various Muslim rules such as those in religion, marriage, and inheritance.
The Syariah Law is enshrined in Singapore’s constitution and is reinforced by the enactment of the Administration of Muslim Act (AMLA) in 1968.
With this, while divorce proceedings are usually seen by the Family Court in Singapore, for Muslim marriages, proceedings are done in the Syariah Court.
AMLA’s chapter 3, Section 145, outlines the rules for marriage and divorce.
As such, to initiate divorce, you need to satisfy the following criteria:
Muslim divorces have many types. The type of divorce and procedure enacted depends on the situation and who initiated the divorce.
When husbands are the ones to seek a divorce, it is called Talak. Under AMLA section 46, Talak is a unilateral divorce initiated by the husband. The section also explains its three types:
Under AMLA’s section 47, it explains that women can also seek divorce. The section also outlines the various options women can take:
In this process, when the wife requests for a divorce and the husband agrees, the wife needs to pay him a sum of money or an amount in kind (compensation/redemption). The amount is assessed by the court in accordance with the status and means of the parties.
For context, Muslim marriages have conditional marriage stipulations made during or after the wedding. These stipulations can be found in the marriage certificate. That said, a woman can divorce her husband under Cerai Taklik if the husband violates a taklik.
Fasakl is the dissolution of marriage by judicial decree. Compared to the previous options, this type of divorce does not require the husband to pronounce Talak, rely on the violation of Taklik, or proceed with the payment of compensation.
Basically, Fasakh is a form of divorce initiated by the wife, typically due to reasons such as cruelty, abandonment, or failure to fulfil financial responsibilities towards her. It is commonly viewed as a means of safeguarding the wife’s rights and interests.
While this may not be as exhaustive, this section will outline the process of Muslim divorces.
Either spouse can initiate the divorce by filing an application at the Syariah Court. It is important to note that individuals must have lived in Singapore continuously for a minimum of three years before they are eligible to petition for divorce at the Syariah Court.
After the registration form is processed, the Syariah Court will require parties to attend counselling under the Marriage Counselling Programme. Such counselling is provided with the aim of saving the marriage and must be attended by the parties before they are able to commence divorce proceedings.
If they have children under 21, they are required to also attend a parenting programme.
The aim is to facilitate an amicable resolution of disputes and reduce the emotional strain accompanying divorce.
If mediation fails to resolve issues, the case will be brought to court. Arguments and evidence will be presented and the court will decide on the divorce and ancillary issues such as custody of children, division of matrimonial property and payment of nafkah iddah and mutaah.
After the court proceedings and it has been proven that the dissolution of marriage is in the best interest of both parties, the court will issue a divorce certificate. This certificate serves as official documentation of the divorce.
If either party is not satisfied with the Syariah Court’s decision regarding the divorce or any ancillary matter, they may file an appeal with the Appeal Board (located at the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore) within 30 days from the date of the decision.
Navigating a divorce under Muslim law in Singapore requires understanding its unique legal framework and procedures. With the right support, including the expertise of divorce lawyers, couples can manage this challenging process with dignity. It’s about making informed decisions that respect personal beliefs while ensuring fairness and justice for all involved parties, paving the way for a hopeful future.
