Why this Kerala couple's 'remarriage' under Special Marriage Act is an eye opener for every liberal Muslim

On the occasion of International Women's Day, a unique 'marriage' was seen in Kerala's Kasargod district where a Muslim couple who were married for nearly 29 years solemnized their union again, but this time under provisions of the Special Marriage Act.

To ensure their daughters' financial security, the duo got married on Wednesday and took their vows again -- a move that has received both criticism and approval on social media. Their three daughters were also present at the remarriage event.

C. Shukkur, an eminent lawyer from Kasargod, married Dr Sheena in October 1994 under Islamic law on October 6, 1994, and they have three daughters.

The remarriage of the Muslim couple in Kerala has sparked a debate on inequalities inherent in the Inheritance of property under Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act 1937. Under this law, which also govern inheritance of property, daughters will only get two-thirds of their father's property and the rest will go to his brothers in the absence of a male heir.

Fatwa against the lawyer

According to reports, the Council for Fatwa and Research, under Darul Huda Islamic University in Malappuram issued a fatwa against Shukkur. The fatwa was issued on Tuesday, a day before his remarriage.

"Such thoughts are tragic results of the failure to understand the Islamic principles...Allah is the real owner of all wealth and property. They should be utilised the way Allah stipulated," the fatwa said adding that a person can divide the property among the daughters when he or she is alive. ''True believers will not fall prey to such drama by those who use religion for personal gains. They (true believers) will strongly resist such heinous moves that are meant to insult religious laws and drain believers' morale," the fatwa read.

Meanwhile, famous sound designer Resul Pookutty congratulated the couple for the remarriage and said that their move is an eye opener for every liberal Muslim in the country.

''Today the step he has taken is an eye opener to every liberal Muslim in this country. I couldn't be there with him for his second marriage but I'm there with him in spirit and the courageous stand he has taken. All the best to you and your newly wedded wife and the family that comes along with it,'' Pookutty said in a Facebook post.