KCIK Services: Marriage, Counseling & Divorce
Counseling Services, Dispute Resolution & the Islamic Marriage Ceremony.
One of the main purposes of the Center is to serve Muslims and their families by offering legally sanctioned marriage ceremonies as well as counseling in matters of engagement, marriage, reconciliation and divorce. The Center has received questions especially regarding marriage and divorce, and InSha'Allah, the following information will be helpful.
The Center endeavors to bring amicable resolutions to problems and disputes and to prevent abuse of any kind. May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) grant us the knowledge and wisdom to be able to help those in need, Ameen.
Also, the Center informs parties who are suffering hardships and difficulties that we cannot interfere in cases which have been referred to, or are under, the jurisdiction of the court system. Once a charge has been made against someone in the legal system, it must be carried to its conclusion. There is often very little, if any, opportunity to stop or cancel the legal process after it has been put in motion by charges made. Further, the court system often proceeds slowly while legal costs add up very quickly for everyone involved.
As an alternative, many prefer to seek the decision of an agreed-upon mediator in cases which do not present a threat or danger, leaving the court system to deal with cases for which it is best suited.
The ideal mediator is a just, equitable and respected person. Additionally, religious knowledge is a critical requirement for a mediator in communities in which faith is of primary importance. Our Almighty Creator has revealed in the Glorious Qur'an that justice is one of His attributes and has mandated that His laws be observed and implemented justly. “And that when you judge between people you judge with justice.” (Glorious Qur`an: 4:58). We pray for all to be guided according to the law of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala).
The Center also refers parties to professionals upon request. In every case, we offer our prayers and Dua’as that the best outcome, justice, peace and satisfaction, is achieved for all parties involved.
The Center's Imam (minister) of Islamic religion is authorized by the Circuit Court of Roanoke City, Virginia (since March 31, 1995) to perform marriage ceremonies. Couples are asked to begin the process on their own by obtaining the necessary forms (see next paragraph), to complete the forms and ensure that any requirements are met, and finally, to contact the Center and provide notice of their desire to be married. The Clerk of the Circuit Court provides applicants with two forms: 1. Certificate of Marriage, and 2. Marriage Register. These forms must be presented by the couple to the Muslim minister, who may then perform the ceremony for the contract of marriage.
It is the duty of the Muslim man to obtain two able witnesses, as the Islamic Marriage Contract is an agreement of great significance. It should be mentioned that witnesses are called for by Islamic tradition, and that neither the Court nor KCIK makes such a requirement. After the marriage ceremony is concluded, the minister completes the forms, returns the Marriage Register to the Court, and then the Certificate of Marriage can be presented to the couple.
Please be advised that KCIK should not be contacted before the abovementioned forms are obtained and completed, all legal requirements are met and the participation of two able witnesses is arranged. The Circuit Court Clerk's office is the best source of information relating to legal marriage requirements.
Kufa Center of Islamic Knowledge can also issue religious documents such as the Islamic Marriage Contract. The Marriage Register form presents a choice regarding the type of ceremony: Civil or Religious. Although KCIK's minister is licensed to perform both ceremonies, the Muslim couple may wish to select the “Religious” option.
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KCIK Services: Marriage, Counseling & Divorce