Shariah Criminal Offences In Syndicate Marriage From The Perspective Of Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Act 1984

Islamic jurisprudence has clearly set forth the laws in regulating matters pertaining to Muslim family institutions. Among the issues related to family institutions is syndicate marriage. According to a report in 2019, 70% of syndicate marriages are regarded as invalid due to its failure to fulfill the pillars of nikah. As such, it attracts various penalties under the Islamic Law Acts/Enactments. By referring to the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Act 1984 (IFLA 1984), there are provisions which can be used to penalise parties who conduct or enter into a syndicate marriage. Therefore, this article will identify the relevant provisions in IFLA 1984 which considers syndicate marriage as shariah criminal offences. This article will also provide recommendations for the purpose of eradicating syndicate marriage among Muslims in Malaysia.