Statements

Forcing a woman to marry her perpetrator now forbidden under Shari’ah law

March 23, 2026
LinkedIn

(Trigger warning: sexual violence)

Poster of Oxfam Pilipinas’ statement on the issuance of fatwa or religious edict against forcing women to marry their rapist or perpetrator: We applaud the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta for issuing a fatwa that declares forcing women to marry their perpetrator as haram or forbidden under the Shariah or Islamic law. The fatwa affirms the fundamental rights of women and girls and emphasizes that sexual violence must be met with justice: victim-survivors should not be trapped in a cycle of violence and perpetrators should not evade persecution. For more info on gender justice in the Philippines, feminist organization in the Philippines, and gender justice in islam, visit https://oxfam.org.ph/what-we-do/preventing-gender-based-violence/

Statement:

We applaud the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta for issuing a fatwa that declares forcing women to marry their perpetrator as haram or forbidden under the Shariah or Islamic law.

The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta is the highest religious advisory body and issues fatwas, or religious edicts, that guide the interpretation and application of Islamic teachings in various contexts.  

The fatwa affirms the fundamental rights of women and girls and emphasizes that sexual violence must be met with justice: victim-survivors should not be trapped in a cycle of violence and perpetrators should not evade persecution. It also sets a powerful precedent for upholding dignity and respect, paving the way for a future free from violence and oppression. #PatasNaBukas

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