Jaraba M (2022)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2022
Book Volume: 11
Pages Range: 315-332
Journal Issue: 3
DOI: 10.1163/22117954-bja10061
In this contribution, I examine how Arab imams in Germany draw up and archive documents pertaining to exclusively religious Islamic marriages (nikah). The absence of a central Islamic authority responsible for registering and safeguarding nikah documents in Germany has led to the emergence of a wide range of practices among Arab imams. These include formal registrations of nikahs on pre-printed forms kept in files, boxes or a storeroom; non-standardised documents issued and handled in various different ways; and orally concluded contracts with no documentary trail whatsoever. In this article, I describe and analyse the different approaches to and practices associated with conducting and recording nikahs among Arab imams. I found that some imams try to formalise the documentary trail with a view to protecting the religious rights of spouses and avoiding internal disputes, whereas others lack experience of institutionalised procedures, thus creating what might be described as archival chaos. I argue that, to reduce the likelihood of unintended consequences, a large number of imams in Germany would benefit from receiving help with professionalising their nikah practices and setting up sound mosque administrations and professionally run archives.
APA:
Jaraba, M. (2022). Problems Relating to Archiving Nikah Documents in Germany's Arab Mosques. Journal of Muslims in Europe, 11(3), 315-332. https://dx.doi.org/10.1163/22117954-bja10061
MLA:
Jaraba, Mahmoud. "Problems Relating to Archiving Nikah Documents in Germany's Arab Mosques." Journal of Muslims in Europe 11.3 (2022): 315-332.
BibTeX: Download