Marriage In Syria: Find Love Against All Odds in 2024
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In this blog, we will discuss how civil marriages are not recognized in Syria, making international options more appealing for those seeking alternative frameworks.
Syrian Marriage Rules- An Overview
A court wedding, a civil ceremony without religious rituals, is not legally recognized in Syria. About 60-65% of the population in Syria are Arabic-speaking Sunni Muslims. However, Christians are among the 12% of the population, which suggests that Syria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious region.
In Syria, marriage legislation is different between Muslims, Druze and Christians. According to Personal Status Law, Article 48 (2), a Muslim woman married to a non-Muslim man makes the marriage legally void, which foregrounds the complexities of Syrian rules.
Religious courts primarily govern marriage laws in Syria, which can vary depending on the couple’s religious affiliation. Article 305, following the Hanafi school of Islamic law, states that only Muslim men can marry non-Muslim women under one condition: that is, the women must belong to the Kitabia, which means they follow one of the Abrahamic religions.
Documentation and Requirements for Syrian Couples
While planning to get married in Syria, you will have to keep forward the major marriage rules.
Requirements
- Like many other Muslim countries, marriage rules in Syria bound the citizens to follow the guidelines. Here, the marriage can only be performed by a religious personnel.
- According to marriage rules in Syria, the marriage ceremony should be conducted at a Shariah court, where the marriage contract will be certified and stamped.
- The civil marriage of Syrian citizens will not be considered if it takes place abroad.
Documentations
The couple must apply with various other documents to marry in a Syrian court. Here are the details of the documents required:
Individual Extracts
These are the extracts issued by the civil Registry. Regarding Syria marriage rules, the couple have to submit their individual extracts from the last three years to the Registry.
Medical Tests and Reports
The couple must be able to provide a report confirming that they do not have a genetic disease that could be a reason to affect their children.
Statement of Mukhtar and Local Leaders
Crucial documentation required according to Syrian marriage rules is a declaration that no religious reasons prevent marriage, like age constraints.
Security Service
If any individual planning to get married is from a foreign country, they must obtain approval from the security service.
Armed Force
If a spouse is serving in the military or of age between 18 and 42, he would require permission from the military authorities.
Reasons a Sharia Judge May Deny Marriage Authorization
The Sharia judge might not approve the marriage under Syrian marriage rules if:
- Some documents are missing;
- There’s a legal or religious reason that stops the marriage according to Syrian marriage rules;
- The couple isn’t ready to get married, maybe because there’s a significant age difference;
- The man is already married and can’t show a good reason for marrying again.
International Marriage Options Under Syrian Marriage Rules
When Syrian couples seek to circumvent the strict Syrian marriage rules, they often consider options abroad where legal frameworks are more accommodating.
Georgia
Legal Framework
You can marry in Georgia even if you are an interfaith couple. Georgia’s legal system offers a streamlined process particularly beneficial for couples restricted by Syrian marriage rules. The absence of a visa requirement for Syrian nationals simplifies entry, a significant advantage under Syrian marriage rules.
Marriage Process
The quick and minimalistic paperwork process in Georgia appeals to those looking to bypass the cumbersome Syrian marriage rules. Marriages can be conducted swiftly, usually within a day.
Legal Recognition
While Georgia’s efficient process helps couples evade some of the restrictive Syrian marriage rules, it’s crucial to note that marriages conducted here are not recognized under Syrian marriage rules without additional procedures.
Seychelles
Legal Framework
Seychelles provides a more straightforward process than many jurisdictions, aligning well with the needs of those affected by Syrian marriage rules. This is particularly relevant for couples seeking a legally straightforward alternative to Syrian marriage rules.
Marriage Process
The requirement for slightly more documentation than in Georgia still offers a manageable process for those navigating Syrian marriage rules. Couples must present standard documents like birth certificates and passports.
Legal Recognition
Seychelles issues internationally recognized marriage certificates, but like Georgia, these marriages face recognition challenges under Syrian marriage rules.
Dubai
Legal Framework
Dubai’s approach to marriage is influenced by Islamic law, making it a challenging yet possible option for those navigating Syrian marriage rules. The requirements are stringent, especially under Syrian marriage rules for interfaith couples.
Marriage Process
Adherence to Syrian marriage rules is critical in Dubai, where non-Muslim men must convert to Islam to marry Muslim women, a direct consequence of the strict Syrian marriage rules.
Legal Recognition
Although marriages in Dubai are recognized internationally, the additional legal steps required for recognition under Syrian marriage rules can be daunting.
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How to Register Marriage in Civil Court?
To get your marriage registered in civil court, here’s what you have to do:
Step 1: Gather all the Documents
Start by gathering everything you need, like your ID, where you live, and papers from previous marriages.
Step 2: Submit Application
Head to the civil court with your documents and complete the marriage application form.
Step 3: Schedule and Attend the Marriage Ceremony
Pick a date for your marriage ceremony at the civil court. Make sure both you and your partner are there.
Step 4: Receive the Official Marriage Certificate
After you tie the knot, the court will give you an official marriage certificate as proof of your marriage.
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FAQs
Is there civil marriage in Syria?
Syrian marriage rules do not permit civil marriages. All marriages must follow religious guidelines, where Muslim men can marry only women from monotheistic religions, and Muslim women cannot marry non-Muslim men.
Are interfaith marriages allowed?
According to Syrian marriage rules, interfaith marriages are subject to the religious doctrines of the individuals involved. Some religions may prohibit it, while others allow it with certain conditions or remain neutral.
What are the rules for marriage in Syria?
Syrian marriage rules dictate that marriage is religious, not civil. Muslim men can only marry women from monotheistic religions, and Muslim women are not allowed to marry non-Muslim men. Children born from marriages that violate these rules are not legally recognized.
