Muslim Women Board to draft its own nikahnama

Bhopal, Aug 26 (UNI) Rejecting the model 'nikahnama (marriage contract) drafted by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), the Muslim Women Board is writing down its own 'sharai nikahnama' within the framework of Quran and keeping in mind the protection of women.

All India Muslim Women's Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) member Shaista Ambar told reporters here that the new nikahnama is expected to be prepared by November 5, 2006.

Taking exception to certain provisions of the model 'nikahnama', Ms Ambar said child marriage, Hadis and some other aspects could not be accepted.

''Besides principles of Quran, Muslim experts and intellectuals had been consulted in drafting the 'nikahnama', also aimed at stirring a debate,'' she said.

She strongly opposed 'talaq' through internet, telephone and SMS saying it was not in line with the principles of Quran.

On the AIMPLB not giving importance to the Muslim Women Board, she said it did not matter, as the AIMWPLB aimed at protecting the rights of women in the light of Quran, which conferred equal rights on men and women.

The AIMWPLB was constituted in 2005 and it was being expanded in various states. Constituting the Board's Madhya Pradesh unit, she said Dr Nusrat Bano had been made its Chairperson, while Ms Gazala Aftab as its General Secretary and Ms Mohib Ahmed had been appointed as its secretary.

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