Abstract:
The Fifth Edition of the book is in your hands with the case law
brought up to December 2012. Some more recent developments
pertaining to the resolutions passed by the Muslim Personal Law
Board and other parallel organizations have been noted and discussed.
It is a welcome sign that the Ulema is now increasingly reviewing old
customs and adopting or suggesting modernization to cope up with
existing social norms and expectations. One more latest example is the
decision taken by the Islamic Fishy Academy in New Delhi in February
2008 to "recognize the right of a Muslim girl to repudiate a marriage
contract with a boy who does not suit to her choice or which was
forced on her against her will". It is a different matter that many
organizations will cross swords now over this decision; what is
welcome is the willingness of the seniors amongst the society to
discuss the social problems instead of keeping mum in the name of
"ancient custom". And every practice is not a custom, far less a
"religious, sublime, indispensible" custom.
