Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Podcast Info
    • Hanania Podcast intro
    • Live Arab Radio
  • Your Views
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • Arab Democratic Club Feb 12, 2023 Forum & Brunch flier
    Arab Democrats host forum for Chicago and suburban candidates Feb. 12 American Arabs
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced Dr. Manal Fakhoury has been elected to the position of Chair of the National Board of Directors, and that attorneys Spojmie Nasiri of California and John Floyd of Texas have joined the organization’s National Board.
    CAIR Announces Dr. Manal Fakhoury as New Board Chair, New Board Members Spojmie Nasiri and John Floyd American Arabs
  • AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
    AHRC: Honor Dr. King Day with Civility, Unity, and Action American Arabs
  • Citgo Gas Station and Quik Mart at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago ordered closed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot because a street gang member with an AK-47 killed someone in front of the store. Only Arab and Muslim stores are being closed by the Mayor
    When Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot targeted Arab businesses in 2021 and 2022 Activism
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast Arab News
  • State Rep. Cyril Nichols interviewed on live Arab American radio in Detroit with host Ray Hanania Friday Dec. 9, 2022
    Nichols discusses need to improve Arab-Black relations in Chicagoland American Arabs
  • Voting sticker issued to voters in Cook County elections in 2016. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Gov. Pritzker Announces Six Appointments to Boards and Commissions — no Arabs included American Arabs
  • Closure notice posted on the doors and windows of Arab American businesses during Mayor Lori Lightfoot's closure of Arab owned stores in June - Sept. 2021. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Pritzker again ignores needs of Arab businesses in latest appointments Activism
  • Arab American Democratic Club (AADC) official candidate endorsements for the November 8, 2022 General elections.
    Arab American Democratic Club issues endorsements for Nov. 8, 2022 Cook County Illinois elections Activism
  • Arab Democrats urge NO VOTE on Gov. J.B. Pritzker re-election bid Activism
  • Assyrian American GOP issues endorsements in Nov, 8, 2022 elections
    Assyrian American GOP group endorses candidates in Illinois Activism
  • Abdullah Hammoud, elected Mayor of Dearborn Nov. 2, 2021. Photo courtesy of Abdullah Hammoud Facebook Page
    AHRC’s 2022 Spirit of Humanity Gala a Great Success American Arabs
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts Arab World
  • Rep. Cyril Nichols to be feted by supporters at fundraiser Saturday Oct. 22 Activism
  • Stand up For Human Rights website, United Nations
    UN experts condemn Israel’s ‘sadistic’ punitive measures against French-Palestinian rights defender Salah Hammouri Activism
Rafic Hariri statue in front of the St. George Hotel in Beirut Lebanon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Optional civil marriage would serve Lebanon’s fragile democracy

Posted on March 5, 2019March 5, 2019 By Ghassan Rubeiz No Comments on Optional civil marriage would serve Lebanon’s fragile democracy
SHARE ...
28         
 
  
28
Shares

  • Tweet

Optional civil marriage would serve Lebanon’s fragile democracy

By Ghassan Michel Rubeiz

Is Lebanon ready to introduce civil marriage legislation?  Not soon. But talk about responding to youth aspirations, political reform and voice of civil society is pure rhetoric as long as civil marriage is not allowed on Lebanese soil.

Lebanese couples seeking secular marriage will have to travel to nearby Cyprus or beyond to tie the knot. To be registered in Lebanon, a civil marriage has to take place abroad and the married couple is then subject to the personal statues of the host country.  However, civil marriage for a Lebanese Muslim has to be a mixed marriage to a non-Muslim.  

Corresponding to Lebanon’s widely rich sectarian demography, there are eighteen religious authorities officiating marriages in Lebanon, with each authority dealing separately with laws of marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, inheritance, death and burial. Not all eighteen sects are different on every aspect of the law. For example, inheritance law for all non-Muslim groups is secular and uniform.

Anti-government rally in Beirut, Lebanon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Anti-government rally in Beirut, Lebanon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Divorce, in particular, gives Christian and Muslim clerics a strong hand in settling marital conflict. In some cases clerics assigned to divorce management make a “business” out of their supposedly pastoral assignment. With divorce rates swelling over the past few decades regulating divorce has become an “industry.”

https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/aljazeeraworld/2017/01/divorce-lebanon-170117073031972.html   

Civil marriage is a lively subject of debate in Beirut and beyond, throughout the region. Preliminary research indicates that the Lebanese are willing to consider civil marriage; a strong indicator of motivation for secular marriage is religious affiliation, not religiosity. According to one study, the Catholics of Lebanon have a better opinion of civil marriage; presumably because divorce in the Catholic Church is not an option.  In contrast, the Druze community, a Muslim  sect which allows no-fault divorce, do not demand civil marriage with passion.  Other factors such as education, standard of living and gender are perhaps better predictors of desire for civil marriage.

https://erf.org.eg/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/861.pdf

The new Lebanese cabinet is proud to have four female ministers who come to positions of power with new ideas. Last month Interior Minister Raya Al Hasan, in a published interview, surprised many by expressing her sympathy to civil marriage. The media interpreted the minister’s favorable opinion on civil marriage as a new opening for reviving the debate on this issue.

Al Hasan’s candid remarks on civil marriage are brave: a minister charged with internal security raised a provocative issue on her first day in office. Gender is a factor here: Raya is a woman challenging a patriarchal social order. Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a Sunni himself, is supportive of Al Hasan’s progressive idea on marriage law, but he will not spend political capital on this matter. In 1998 the president of the republic tried to introduce civil marriage and failed.  

Soon after the minister’s liberal comments on civil marriage and Hariri’s reported support of it, Dar al Fatwa (the highest Sunni authority) issued a “categorical rejection” of civil marriage as it “violates the provisions of Islamic law.” The highest Shiite authority also opposed the idea by asserting that civil marriage is a “violation of the constitution.”  

http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/256906-lebanese-demand-civil-marriage-on-home-soil

Is such strong resistance by the religious hierarchies scripturally based? Not really. Islamic family law varies significantly from one Islamic state to another; family and marriage laws in North Africa, particularly in Tunis and Morocco, are closer to universal personal statues than they are to comparable laws in the Arab Gulf.

The idea of banning civil marriage is not in the Quran. In Islam, marriage is civil by definition; the presence of a cleric to officiate weddings is an administrative Ottoman practice of old colonial times.

https://www.amazon.com/Islam-Retrospect-Recovering-Maher-Mahmassani/dp/1566569222  

On the whole, church authorities in the Mideast are also in opposition to civil marriage. In the past the church led opposition to civil marriage in Lebanon.  But change is slowly taking place. Today, the head of the Maronite (Catholic) church is willing accept civil marriage, but only if it is made mandatory

Allowing civil marriage on Lebanese soil would have significant political and social implications. For many Christians, civil marriage challenges the belief that it is a sacred act, a sacrament. And for many in the Sunni community a civil marriage implies equality of sons and daughters in inheritance; a change in Sunni inheritance law might be welcomed by some and feared by others.  

Narrowly applied, acceptance of civil marriage would require a total reconfiguration of sectarian laws, not only of marriage, but also personal statutes of divorce, inheritance, burial and adoption. However, if civil marriage takes place domestically as a secular alternative, not as a substitute to religious matrimony, there would be no need to change the entire scheme of personal laws. If civil marriage law is allowed internally, emerging legislative change in family laws would apply only to future civil marriages. A new set of personal statutes would have to be written for families who chose the secular-only track.

Optional civil marriage offers advantages. The new law would facilitate mixed marriages. It would provide wider freedom of choice of future life partners, a choice based on values rather than religious affiliation. Under the current system it is the institution which is the anchor of decision-making in marriage, divorce and other important personal matters. Optional civil marriage transfers the focus of decision making from the institution to the individual. In a visit to Albania in the 1990’s a feminist writer informed me that the popularity of mixed marriages is a factor in the stability of her country.

If allowed, civil marriage would temper the sectarian climate of the country.  Lebanon’s politicians and clerical leaders have become too acclimated to sectarianism. Through sect-based family law the church and the mosque maintain power and privilege. The entire political system is anchored on a sectarian framework.

Making it easy for Christians and Muslims to intermarry would enhance social integration, a necessary condition for rebuilding a nation on secular and democratic grounds.  This is especially true if civil marriage becomes mandatory.

Given the current instability in Lebanon, the opportunity to advance a campaign for civil marriage is limited. But as long as Lebanon allows free public debate, the hope for localized civil marriage remains alive. In civil marriage there is a multiplier effect, an invisible hand impacting social change.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ghassan Rubeiz
Ghassan Rubeiz
Blogger, writer at The Arab Daily News online
Dr. Ghassan Rubeiz is an Arab-American writer, journalist and commentator on issues of development, peace and justice. He is the former Middle East Secretary of the Geneva-based World Council of Churches. Reach him at rubeizg@gmail.com.
Ghassan Rubeiz
Latest posts by Ghassan Rubeiz (see all)
  • To what extent is Hezbollah responsible for the current crisis in Lebanon? - January 17, 2023
  • World community should do more than rejecting Israel’s baseless terrorist accusation against Palestinian NGOs - January 12, 2022
  • Lebanese political system cannot fix itself, responsible external assistance is badly needed - October 23, 2021

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
28         
 
  
28
Shares
 
28
Shares
28         
 
 Tweet 
Bloggers, Commentary, Ghassan Rubeiz, Lebanon, Middle East, Opinion, Politics, religion, Syria Tags:civil marriage, elections, issues, Lebanon, politics, protests, religion, voting

Post navigation

Previous Post: Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Rescue Dogs, Prayers and Love
Next Post: Algeria: The Regime Is Saying, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! 

Related Posts

  • Iran-Israel Deal and Mordechai Vanunu’s Supreme Court Appeal Arab World
  • Fried Kubbah, Kibbeh made from burghul stuffed with lamb and browned sliced almonds or browned pine nuts. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    You can make Kibbeh, yes you can American Arabs
  • Art Institute Lion readied for a Chicago bears Game. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    When did the Super Bowl become a political football? Bloggers
  • Rashida Tlaib announces candidacy for Congress American Arabs
  • Why Trump should support “Sanctuary Cities” American Arabs
  • Hariri’s resignation sign of more trouble for Lebanon and the region Arab World

More Related Articles

Palestinian athletes send messages of hope in plastic bottles in sea during marathon for the disabled. Photo copyright Ahmad Hasaballah. All Rights reserved. Photo array: Palestinian athletes send messages of hope into sea Ahmad Hasaballah
American Arab Christians support Trump American Arabs
Invoking God’s affiliation in Mideast conflicts Arab World
Charles William Boustany Jr. is an American politician and retired physician from Lafayette, Louisiana, who had served as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 3rd congressional district from 2013-17. A New NAFTA Could Cure Disease American Arabs
My Palestine Bloggers
USS Liberty Remembrance of 50 years USA Government Cover-Up of Israel’s 8 June 1967 Attack on USA Spy-Ship American Arabs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Tiktok.com/@RayHanania
    Israeli-push behind effort to ban Tiktok in the United States
    January 19, 2023
  • Ghassan Rubeiz
    To what extent is Hezbollah responsible for the current crisis in Lebanon?
    January 17, 2023
  • Image from Rashid-al-Din Hamadani's "A Compendium of Chronicles. Image courtesy of Wikipedia
    Why allow religious extremists to re-define Islam in the West?
    January 10, 2023
  • CAIR Executive Director and co-founder Nihad Awad
    This Thanksgiving, let’s use our Blessings for good
    November 23, 2022
  • NEWS
  • Arab Democratic Club Feb 12, 2023 Forum & Brunch flier
    Arab Democrats host forum for Chicago and suburban candidates Feb. 12
    January 18, 2023
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced Dr. Manal Fakhoury has been elected to the position of Chair of the National Board of Directors, and that attorneys Spojmie Nasiri of California and John Floyd of Texas have joined the organization’s National Board.
    CAIR Announces Dr. Manal Fakhoury as New Board Chair, New Board Members Spojmie Nasiri and John Floyd
    January 12, 2023
  • AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
    AHRC: Honor Dr. King Day with Civility, Unity, and Action
    January 11, 2023
  • Citgo Gas Station and Quik Mart at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago ordered closed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot because a street gang member with an AK-47 killed someone in front of the store. Only Arab and Muslim stores are being closed by the Mayor
    When Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot targeted Arab businesses in 2021 and 2022
    January 4, 2023
  • NEWSWIRE
  • Arab Democratic Club Feb 12, 2023 Forum & Brunch flier
    Arab Democrats host forum for Chicago and suburban candidates Feb. 12
    January 18, 2023
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced Dr. Manal Fakhoury has been elected to the position of Chair of the National Board of Directors, and that attorneys Spojmie Nasiri of California and John Floyd of Texas have joined the organization’s National Board.
    CAIR Announces Dr. Manal Fakhoury as New Board Chair, New Board Members Spojmie Nasiri and John Floyd
    January 12, 2023
  • AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
    AHRC: Honor Dr. King Day with Civility, Unity, and Action
    January 11, 2023
  • Stand up For Human Rights website, United Nations
    UN experts condemn Israel’s ‘sadistic’ punitive measures against French-Palestinian rights defender Salah Hammouri
    October 19, 2022

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

  • ZiyadBrandLogo-2016BlackRedBackgrnd.jpg
  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Ad-Pantry-essentials.jpg
  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Sices-Ad.jpg
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib, book cover. Photo courtesy of Cune Press
    Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib
    November 1, 2021
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast
    December 15, 2022
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Comedian Ramy Youssef courtesy of his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ramysfaceboo/
    “Ramy” cable series melds Arab world reality with every day American life
    October 22, 2022
  • The Ray Hanania Radio Show Live Wed 5 PM EST in Detroit, Washington DC, Ontario and on Thursday in Chicago. Watch the program live at Facebook.com/ArabNews
    Second Season of “The Ray Hanania Show” Arab American radio launches April 6
    April 4, 2022
  • American Arab CHamber President HassanNijem accepts the Proclamation from Chicago Ald. Roderick Sawyer at the Chamber dinner March 30, 2022
    Chicagoland celebrates Arab American Heritage Month
    March 31, 2022
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2023 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme