Muslim body in India seeks end to dowries
A prominent Muslim organisation in India has released new guidelines, asking the community to shun dowries and extravagant marriages after a woman recently died by suicide due to "dowry harassment".
In an 11-point guideline issued last week, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) asked the Muslims to take an "oath" to refrain from demanding dowry and keep the marriage ceremony simple without "needless rituals, customs and extravagant activities".
The AIMPLB is widely regarded as the representative of Indian Muslims, who constitute more than 14 percent of India's 1.3 billion population.
The body's guidelines, contained in a document released for Muslims to sign and follow, were released by AIMPLB chairman Maulana Rabe Hasan Nadvi.
The move comes after a Muslim woman in the western Indian state of Gujarat died by suicide last month by drowning herself in a river, alleging physical abuse over dowry by her husband and in-laws.
Her suicide set off a countrywide debate over social evils associated with marriage among Muslims and other communities. The AIMPLB said it has launched a 10-day drive to educate members of the community across the country and to raise awareness against such evils.
During the campaign, Muslim scholars and leaders will place emphasis on solemnising marriages according to Islamic customs and minimise spending during weddings.
The new guidelines prohibit wedding processions, fireworks, dancing and lavish feasts, calling them un-Islamic. It only allows "Dawat-e-Walima", a feast served by the groom's family after wedding rituals are completed.
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