SOCIO-CULTURAL PRACTICES IN THE FILLING UP OF NIKAHNAMA AND ITS EFFECTS ON WOMEN’S MARITAL RIGHTS IN LAHORE

Abstract

Background: The aim of the research study was to find out the social and cultural practices that were prevalent in filling up the important clauses of the nikahnama (13 to 21). Marriage is a legal agreement between the bride and groom, how much the bride was involved in this legal contract, how socio-cultural practices affected women's marital rights and become the cause of divorce.

Methodology: Multiple stage samples were used to select the respondents. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling techniques. The sample size was consisted of 30 divorced women from Lahore district. In-depth interviews were conducted with the help of interview guide to gather information from the respondents.

Result The conclusion of this study that marital rights of women were affected by social and cultural practices which could be mentioned in the prescribed column of nikahnama. The study's analysis is that social and cultural practices are an obstacle to protecting women's marital rights and filling up of those important clauses that protect women from divorce. The rate of unilateral divorce is also increasing due to incomplete fill up important clauses of the nikahnama.