Knowledge and Awareness about Nikah Nama Reforms and its Clauses in Lahore.

Memona Arjumand, Subha Malik, and Nayab Javed

Abstract

The present research was carried out to investigate the knowledge and awareness regarding Nikah Nama reforms and its clauses among the unmarried males and females of Lahore. The objectives of this study were to explore knowledge and level of awareness about Nikah Nama reforms and to explore the reasons for not reading the Nikah Nama before marriage. A total of 400 adults were sampled, including 200 males and 200 females. A self-developed questionnaire was used; which included both closed and open ended questions. The results of this study revealed that most of the people were not aware about Nikah Nama reforms and women supportive clauses. It was also revealed that three broad factors contributed to not reading the Nikah Nama before marriage: (i) Patriarchal culture, (ii) Lack of awareness; and (iii) Insecurity and fear. It is recommended that awareness about marriage rights should be part of the formal and informal education system and there must be some accountability against people who break laws and strike out the Nikah Nama clauses or prevent the reading of the contract