FCT Sharia Court Of Appeal Grand Kadi, Justice Ibrahim Issues Practice Direction For Islamic Marriage Registry

The Grand Kadi of the FCT Sharia Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Rufa’i Imam has issued Islamic Marriage Registry Practice Direction, 2020 for the purposes of regulating matters under the Registry.

The Practice Direction dated 16th December, 2020 was issued in exercise of the powers conferred on him by virtue of Section 264 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 24 of the Sharia Court of Appeal Act, CAP 550.

“The Practice Direction shall, save to the extent and may otherwise be directed by the Hon. Grand Kadi apply to Islamic Marriage Registry matters”.

By Rule 1, it as now been directed that all marriage certificates are to be issued by the Islamic Marriage Registry under the Area Court department.

In addition, the Direction states that “Application forms (Form I & II) are to be collected and filled by any interested Applicant and to be submitted to Islamic Marriage Registry duly signed by both parties i.e Husband/Bridegroom and Wife/Bride, and signed by the Representative (Waliy) of both parties”.

Also, these forms are required to be sworn before the Commissioner for Oath.

“Official endorsement and checking of Application form (Form I & II) shall be done by the Marriage Registrar or any officer assigned in that regard.”

Besides, the Direction states that certificate shall be issued after payment of the prescribed fee and completion of the forms, with an official receipt issued after payment is made.

“Certificate of Registration of Marriage shall be duly signed by the Marriage Registrar and Chief Registrar of Sharia Court of Appeal”, Rule 10 stated.

Meanwhile, Rule 11 says the “Hon. Grand Kadi may, review the Practice Direction and/or issue further direction as prevailing circumstance may render expedient or necessary”.

However, the Practice Direction is to take effect from 9th day of December, 2020.