Debatable Marriages: Marriage and Child Marriage in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

This article examines marriage and the constitution of familial relationships in Saudi Arabia, with a specific focus on one form of marriage that has recently become an issue of public, political, and religious discussion, that of “child marriage.” The situation within Saudi Arabia is compared with gendered relationships in other countries, most notably those in Western Europe, with specific attention given to the United Kingdom. It is argued that policy developments in Saudi Arabia need to be seen in the context of wider Saudi culture, Sharia law, and religious interpretations of the Koran.

KEYWORDS:

• child marriage
• culture
• family
• marriage

Notes

There are four main schools of Sharia: Hanbali, Hanafi, Shafi, and Maliki. Saudi Arabia follows the Hanbali school.

Both parties are required to have a premarital medical examination to reduce the risk of hereditary diseases being passed on to their children.

A mazoun is an official who registers marriages.