Islamic Marriage in Australia
The Holy Quran described marriage in the following verses
قال الله تعالي في كتابه الكريم
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ. 21 سورة الروم
“And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Undoubtedly in these are signs for those who reflect.” (30:21)
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ وَأُنْثَى وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ الحجرات: 13
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well-acquainted (with all things). (13)
Muslim Marriage Celebrant
The service of a Muslim Marriage Celebrant in Australia is to solemnize marriage in accordance with Islamic laws and at the same time in accordance with Australian Marriage Laws (Marriage Act 1961).
In Australia Islam is a Recognized Denomination, therefore the Islamic marriage is recognized in the Australian Marriage Act 1961.
Couples intending to marry in accordance with Islam do not need to have a separate “Australian marriage”, the Muslim Marriage Celebrant is authorized by the Australian Government to solemnize marriage under both Australian and Islamic Laws.
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The Muslim Minster of Religion & Marriage Celebrant
Al Ma’zoun Alsharie In Australia
وظيفة الماذون الشرعي في استراليا
In Australia all marriages are regulated by Marriage Act 1961 which provide for two categories persons that administer marriages: civil and religious. The authorized religious person that conduct marriages is referred to in the act as a Minister of Religion in the sense that such person administer the marriage proceedings as prescribed in the Act and as prescribed by his or her particular religion. The title minister should not be confused by the Arabic translation the Minister meaning wazeer.
In 2001 Mr. Mostafa Ghandar was appointed the first Muslim Minister of Religion & Marriage Celebrant in the New England, to serve the growing Muslim community in New England and Norther New South Wales. Mr. Mostafa Ghandar was born in Cairo, Egypt, and graduated in Commerce from the University of Helwan in 1969. He worked in EgyptAir in Cairo Airport as well as in its Jeddah and London offices before he came to Australia in 1977. At the University of New England he taught Arabic in the Department of Classics, and introduced one of the earliest Arabic language courses utilizing audio cassette tapes in Australia, in 1978. He also studied Economics, Taxation, and Australian Law at UNE. He later worked in AMP and then Mega International – International Marketing & Financial Services, where he introduced Export Marketing services designed to help Australian manufacturers gain markets in the Middle East and Asia. He introduced a number of Australian products for the first time in these markets, such as prefabricated buildings, vinyl tiles, and other building materials. He emphasized “across-cultural-understanding” as a means to achieve success in exports and hence prosperity for all Australians. Currently he is the Managing Director of this firm. Mostafa Ghandar is a Founding and Life Honorary Member of the International Muslim Students Association (established in 1978) of The University of New England. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Mosque at the University which was the first mosque to be established in an Australian university. He initiated regular functions that encouraged greater interaction between the university and the wider community. He has been active in civic life in the Armidale and New England Region over the past 35 years. He was a member of the Armidale & Dumaresq Bicentennial Committee, and President of the sub-committee for ABC FM & SBS TV which facilitated the extension of these services to the New England region as a means of enhancing taste, cultural understanding and appreciation, thereby enhancing community harmony and promoting a civilized life style in the region. In addition to his business he has been an active member of a number of professional and service organizations in Australia, Egypt, and the United States. He was a finalist in the Multicultural Awards organized by the Community Relations Commission in 2004.
Important Information about
Islamic Marriage in Australia
The service of a Muslim Marriage Celebrant in Australia is to solemnize marriage in accordance with Islamic laws and at the same time in accordance with Australian Marriage Laws (Marriage Act 1961).
In Australia Islam is a Recognized Denomination therefore the Islamic marriage is recognized in the Australian Marriage Act 1961.
Couples intending to marry in accordance with Islam do not need to have a separate “Australian marriage”, the Muslim Marriage Celebrant is authorized by the Australian Government to solemnize marriage under both Australian and Islamic Laws, and the marriage will be registered in the appropriate state Department.
It is interesting to note here that modern marriage legislations in most western countries are based on the Islamic contract of marriage as opposed to the church marriage, even the function of a marriage celebrant which was developed by the Fatimid in Egypt in the ninth century as Maazoun sharee is adopted now by most western countries.
Marriage in Australia is governed by “Marriage Act of 1961“. Under this Act there are certain obligations that a couple intending to get married must meet prior to marriage.
1- Giving notice of your intention of marriage
First you must give to the marriage celebrant notice of at least one, but not more than 18 calendar months. This notice must be on the prescribed form which is available from me. Please pay particular attention to the notes on the form.
Download Notice of Intended Marriage Form
2- Marriageable Age
As from 1 August 1991, the marriageable age is 18 years. If a person, not yet 18, wishes to marry prior to his or her 18th birthday, only a court empowered to give a ‘Section 12’ order can give authority for this marriage to be solemnized.
A Notice of Intended Marriage may be lodged prior to the 18th birthday, as long as the marriage occurs after the birthday.
3- Evidence of age
Both the bride and groom are required to provide evidence of their age with a Birth Certificate.
If born in Australia, a full Australian Birth Certificate must be provided.
Foreign Birth Certificates will also be accepted. If in another language, it must be officially translated into English.
In special cases, a current passport may be accepted in conjunction with a statutory declaration stating the full reason why the Birth Certificate cannot be produced. If you need more details about this item please contact me.
4- Previous Marriages
If either of you has been married before, you must show evidence that your last marriage has been legally terminated. This document should be a certificate of decree absolute or a death certificate. The document must be sighted by myself before the wedding. No marriage can take place until all required documents have been provided.
5- Return of Documents
All original certificates, decrees and translations lodged with the celebrant will be returned to you immediately after sighting and the details/copies thereon taken.
6- Witnesses
Two witnesses, each at least 18 years old, must be present at the ceremony. Any of the attendants, relatives or guests may act as witnesses.
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