Women and wives are God's trusts - Kelantan Mufti

Kelantan Mufti Department believes that women and wives are God's gifts and should be placed on a pedestal to maintain the purity of the religion and Islam.

Kelantan Mufti, Datuk Mohamed Shukri Mohamed said women or wives should not be treated as betting items because they have been trusted by God.

"We need to see the beautiful and holy teachings of Islam, do not tarnish it with practices which can affect the image of Islam.

Women and wives in Islam have been trusted by Allah to the husband who should be treated with care. It is therefore not appropriate to degrade the women,” he told Astro AWANI, Monday.

Mohamed Shukri also explained that Islam glorifies the women, and the Qur’an touches on the dignity of the women by bringing examples of the sacrifices made by Mashitah and Siti Mariam.

He said he is not referring to any issues, but issued the statement based on Islam’s views.

The issue of some members in Kelantan PAS leadership who pledged ‘bai’ah talak tiga’ had been the hot topic especially when it is seen as degrading their spouses’ honour.

Traditionally, the act of ‘bai’ah talak tiga’ -- which automatically divorced the husbands from their spouses with talak tiga status -- applies on a candidate contesting for a parliament or state assemblyman seat.

PAS vice-president, Datuk Mohamed Amar Nik Abdullah said bai’ah has been a common practice since it was introduced by the late former PAS Kelantan Commissioner, Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

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He said, only Kelantan PAS would adopt 'taklik' (conditional divorce) which is acceptable and enforceable if one breaches the condition when making the 'taklik' in the 'bai’ah'.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Shukri stressed that the bai’ah issue must be referred to Syariah Court that has the jurisdiction on the subject.

“There have been some disputes on both bai’ah and taklik issues and the court must clarify them. We can’t make our own decisions,” he added.

Kuala Krai MP, Dr Hatta Ramli had ‘automatically’ divorced his wife with 'talak tiga' status by leaving PAS and joining Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah).

Dr Hatta along with other similar views however suggested that the ‘talak tiga’ oath was not enforceable.

Refer the case to Syariah Court, said Mohamed Shukri adding that only the court has the jurisdiction on the matter and Dr Hatta’s marital status.

Some religion experts said taklik (conditional divorce) is acceptable and enforceable if one breaches the condition when making the taklik while others said Pas members who undertook the 'bai'ah' could be absolved of the oath if they fulfilled one of two conditions: provide food (for at least 10 people from the hardcore poor category) fast for three days.

Mohamed Shukri also cautioned to refrain from following any mazhab (legal school of thoughts) or views except for those within the Syafie traditions.

He said, it is inappropriate to make any references and decide other than mazhab Syafie or referring to a religion man whose views are different as the reference in decision-making in this country is based on mazhab Syafie which is in line with Sunnah Wal Jamaah.