Equality (Peer) in Marriage Contract in Both Sonni and Shiia Sects

Abstract

Peer in marriage contract is defined as equality and similar dignity of spouse in some issues. There is a difference of opinion among Imamiya jurists and also the Sunnite scholars concerning the issues and criterion of equality in marriage. Reputed Imamiya jurists consider Islam & belief in the Imamate of the twelve Imams (PBUT) to be the criterion for the equality and similar ranking of the man and the woman. Yet, from the perspective of another group, only Islam in its broadest sense of the word is the only condition required. Still others believe that Islam, faith, and the ability to pay alimony is enough to elaborate the term kefaat (peer). In addition to the equality of spouses in Islam, most of the general jurists consider parentage, liberty and career, equality between men and women -in terms of health and defect- for the termination of the marriage (contract) as criterion for equality. This paper seeks to answer to this question: ‘Indeed, what issues can be the examples of equality in marriage in Islam?’ By expressing the opinions and reasons of both Imamiya jurists and Sunnite scholars and their critiques that other than “Islam” in the broadest sense of the word, no other criterion is a condition for equality. This conclusion can be formed that affairs such as parentage, liberty and occupation, from the viewpoint of the four religions, are the necessary conditions, and are not the condition of the validity of marriage and from Imamiya jurists’ point of view they are neither a condition for (marriage) nor a condition for the validity thereof.

Keywords

• couples’ equality
• validity of marriage contract
• necessary condition
• equal rank
• islam
• faith