Webdesk: Kuch Ankahi, a very popular family drama directed by Nadeem Baig, showed how important divorce is in Nikahnaama. Child custody, and other important parts of the nikahnama that are often left out at weddings are also vital.
The most recent episode showed not only how Islam protects women’s rights and autonomy. But also how in-laws often use their “love and affection” for their bahu to manipulate and put pressure on the bride’s family to get rid of the clauses (daughter-in-law).
In a clip from the show, Samiya’s aunt Sofia stops the cleric from cutting out parts of the nikahnama. She tells the cleric, “Moulvi sahab, please don’t cut these clauses”. The cleric says that they are “meaningless” and that the groom’s side gets cut anyway.
Asma Abbas plays Zareena, the mother of the groom. She agrees with the moulvi and says, “He’s right. What are we going to do? Even if they were important, these parts don’t matter. Also, do you have doubts about what we want to do? We’re willing and happy to take the bride home.”
Sofia ignores Zareena and starts to explain why the clauses should stay in the marriage contract. No matter what the families of the groom or bride want.
“Moulvi sahab, our religion supports a woman’s right to get a divorce, have custody of her children, and other rights that protect her safety and security. No one is allowed to cross them out. Please hold on to them.” Muhammed Ahmed and Bilal Abbas Khan, who played Agha Jaan and Salman in the show, also supported Vaneeza’s fight for the rights of the bride.
Many fans thought that trying to make divorce and custody laws stronger was a good way to protect the bride and that the groom’s side shouldn’t be ashamed of it.