Shias seek law against triple talaq

Sect leaders also want ban on cow slaughter

Terming the triple talaq (giving divorce by pronouncing talaq thrice) primitive and inhumane, the All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB) on Wednesday demanded enactment of a law to ban such a practice.

The community leaders also sought a complete ban on cow slaughter and amicable settlement of Ram Temple-Babri Masjid dispute.

“The board is of the view that the practice of triple talaq should be abolished as it is against women and an act of cruelty.

“The government should enact a law to ban the practice,” Maulana Yasoob Abbas said after AISPLB’s executive committee meeting here.

Opinion sought

Abbas demanded a ban on cow slaughter and said that some community members had asked for the opinion of a senior Shia cleric based at Nazaf, which was the most revered place for the community, in Iraq.

“The fatwa (religious decree) issued by the Nazaf cleric has asked the community members not to slaughter cows and respect the sentiments of the Hindu community,” Abbas said.

The Shia cleric supported an out-of-court settlement of the Ram Temple-Babri Masjid dispute. “'A settlement through the court will leave one of the parties unsatisfied...negotiated settlement is the best way for resolving the matter,” he added.

The board also urged the Union government to set up a commission on the lines of the Sachhar Committee to study the condition of the Shias in the country and take right measures for their welfare.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has, however, opposed any interference in the personal laws of Muslims and made it clear that it would oppose any move to declare the triple talaq practice illegal.