🏛️ Polygyny: the law · #96

I am a second wife. My husband keeps making excuses not to register our marriage. What can I do myself?

You do not have to wait for your husband; you yourself can ask the religious affairs office how to register or validate the marriage. An unregistered marriage makes it hard for you to claim maintenance, prove your children's lineage and inherit later. Gather whatever evidence of the marriage you have: the marriage certificate or card, photos of the ceremony, and the names of the marriage officer, wali and witnesses. Take these documents to the state Islamic religious affairs office and ask about the registration procedure, or about applying to the Syariah Court to validate the marriage. Tell your husband calmly that you are going to do this. If he pressures you to stay quiet, tell the officer. See marriage confirmation.

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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