In certain societies, unjust marriage practices continue to deprive women of their fundamental rights, contradicting the core principles of Islam. Customs such as forced marriages, “marriage to the Qur’an,” and barter marriages (Vatta Satta) are deeply rooted in cultural traditions rather than Islamic teachings. These practices are often carried out to retain family wealth and prevent the division of inherited land, ultimately violating the rights of women as prescribed in the Qur’an.

Marriage to the Qur’an – A Misguided Custom

One of the most concerning practices is the so-called “marriage to the Qur’an,” in which a woman is symbolically wed to the holy book, preventing her from marrying a man and claiming her rightful inheritance. Islam strictly opposes such innovations (bid‘ah) that have no basis in the Qur’an or Sunnah. This custom is not only a clear violation of women’s rights but also a distortion of Islamic teachings.

The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize that marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman, built upon mutual love and companionship. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Marriage is part of my sunnah, and whoever does not follow my sunnah has nothing to do with me.” (Ibn Majah)

By depriving women of marriage and inheritance, this practice directly contradicts the divine commands of Allah.

Barter Marriages (Vatta Satta) and Their Islamic Ruling

Another harmful custom is barter marriage, or Vatta Satta, where families exchange daughters in marriage to avoid property division. In this arrangement, a woman’s marriage depends on another woman being married into her family, often without their consent.

Islam explicitly prohibits this type of marriage, known as Ash-Shighar, where a woman’s marital rights, including her dowry (mahr) and personal choice, are disregarded. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“The Messenger of Allah forbade Shighar, which means when a man gives his daughter in marriage on the condition that the other man gives his daughter in marriage, with no dowry in between.” (Sahih Muslim)

This hadith makes it clear that marriages should not be treated as business transactions but rather as a union based on mutual consent, respect, and fair treatment.

The Islamic Perspective on Women’s Inheritance Rights

Islam grants women clear inheritance rights, as stated in Surah An-Nisa (4:7):

“Unto men belongs a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, and unto women a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, whether it be little or much—a legal share.”

Despite these divine laws, cultural practices often deny women their rightful inheritance, leaving them financially dependent and vulnerable. Islam strictly prohibits depriving women of their inheritance and warns against those who attempt to alter Allah’s commandments.

Islam’s Stand Against Cultural Oppression

Islam stands firmly against all forms of oppression and inequality, particularly when it comes to marriage and inheritance rights. Women in Islam are not objects to be exchanged or sacrificed for family honor and wealth. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the importance of treating women with dignity and granting them the rights ordained by Allah.

If such un-Islamic practices persist in a community, Muslim scholars, leaders, and legal authorities should take action to educate and enforce justice. Individuals should also seek legal and religious intervention if they face such injustices.

Conclusion

Cultural traditions should never override Islamic principles. Marriage in Islam is a sacred contract based on love, respect, and mutual consent, and women’s inheritance rights are explicitly protected by Allah. Muslims must reject harmful customs and uphold the values of justice, fairness, and equality as outlined in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

May Allah guide all of us to follow His laws and uphold justice in our societies. Ameen.