Mariam Nihal Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — A social expert from Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University said to date there were at least 5,622 recorded cases of Saudi girls getting married before they turned 14. Ali Al-Roomi added that setting a minimum age for marriage would not solve the problem. Although the Kingdom has signed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) agreement, it imposed the condition that it would only adhere to articles that did not contradict Islamic law. This has put the Kingdom and other Islamic countries at odds with international organizations and human rights activists. Al-Roomi said getting married at a young age contributes to an increase in population due to the fertility of young girls. Those who oppose a minimum age for marriage point to Islamic teachings that encourage and allow marriage from an early age. However, this is disputed by other religious scholars. Abdullah Al-Rakban, an ex-member of the Supreme Council of Senior Scholars, said marriages involving young girls to rich husbands do exist in rural societies but they are not part of a trend. The age difference should be considered, he said. A woman over 25 is mature and can marry at her will. Girls under 20 often get married under pressure from parents. Al-Rakban opposed those who rejected setting a minimum age for marriage. Marriages should not be allowed for young girls, except under certain circumstances, he added. Dr. Abdullah Bin Saleh, member of the Shoura Council, said the Ministry of Justice is currently studying this issue. He added that the Supreme Council was the only body in Saudi Arabia that could issue a ruling on marriages involving young girls. Qais Mubarak, a member of the council, said allowing women to marry when they want may result in negative consequences such as spinsterhood or marriages to old or unsuitable men. Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Faleh, a member of the National Society for Human Rights, stressed it was important the council dealt with this issue as the Kingdom was under great pressure from international organizations to set a minimum age for marriage. Many people who spoke to Saudi Gazette about child marriage said the practice violates the human rights of girls because it excludes them from decisions regarding marriage and choice of spouse. However, some are of the opinion that marriage is not relative to age and arranged marriages are the right way forward. According to Basma Murad, a 37-year-old Saudi psychiatrist, such marriages have severe negative physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual and sexual consequences for children. Bilal Sian, a 34-year-old Saudi businessman, said child marriages used to be a way for poor people who saw daughters as liabilities to secure political ties. Thamer Rayyan, a 40-year-old Saudi sales manager living in Jeddah, told Saudi Gazette: “In Saudi Arabia, we don't have an open society where teenagers mingle. Most marriages are arranged, except in the cosmopolitan cities. “Here, parents decide what is best for their children. Back in the day, our grandparents were married young and it worked out perfectly. “This idea of a girl becoming legal at the age of 18 is just a new directive of a liberal society.” In 2010, a story of a young girl named Fatima who was married to an older man made headlines around the world. Ghassan Iqbal, a 38-year-old Saudi filmmaker, said: “Fatima from Najran was married to a 50-year-old man who already has a wife and 10 children, most much older than Fatima. “She was abused and then filed for divorce with the help of her uncle. Unfortunately, her father, who was her male guardian, did not support her.” Fahd Ahmed, a 34-year-old law student who supports young marriages, disagreed. He said: “Fatima's case does not reflect the marriage law. “It was her father's mistake to choose the wrong husband and had he chosen the right man for her, age would have not been a factor.” There have been many reported cases of young girls aged eight who were forced to marry men aged up to 80. Farhan Al-Amoudi, a 40-year-old doctor, said: “How can you expect us to say okay to a marriage involving a 15-year-old girl and a 50-year-old man? “Are you telling me the girl made this decision? No, she couldn't have. “She is not mature enough to handle her life let alone make such a crucial life decision. “I have to deal with many cases involving young girls who are married to older men. I have seen damaged skin, bones and the worst kinds of physical abuse. “I feel terrible for these young girls who are, after all, just children.” Al-Amoudi said girls who get married at a very young age are usually forced into many uncomfortable situations and face life-threatening pregnancy issues. “They are forced into situations with a husband who is considerably older and a relative stranger. “Premature pregnancy carries major risks and pregnancy-related deaths are the leading cause of death for girls aged 15 to 19.” Maha Sabil, a 25-year-old Lebanese designer living in Jeddah, said early marriage jeopardizes girls' right to education. She added: “Imagine if this young girl had educated in school and earned a college degree. “She wouldn't need to depend on her family or husband. “She could have her own career and in many cases earn more than the man of the house, taking care of her whole family. “Unfortunately girls who get married young are forced to live another life. And it is true that UNICEF found domestic violence to be common in child marriages. I know it is.” Shaista Nadeem, a 36-year-old British teacher living in Jeddah, said: “I don't understand. How much of a burden can a daughter be? How can a father give away his child to a man twice her age without thinking about her life? “The girls are mentally and physically vulnerable. Most of them haven't even reached puberty and I believe this is a violation of human rights and is child abuse.”
