A Sociological Study on Divorce among Muslims in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The prevalence of divorce has been increased among Muslim Community in Sri Lanka. This study was conducted among 80 divorcees to identify the causes of divorce, consequences of divorce among divorcees and role of Quazi (Islamic Judge) in Muslim divorce case with special reference to Akkaraipattu DS division. Primary data was collected through interviews and observation. Secondary data was gained through Quazi Court (Islamic Court) records, DS office records, reports, religious books (AlQuran and Al-Hadees), journals, articles, and website. Collected data were analysed by using qualitative and quantitative methods and presented in text, tables and graphs to get the descriptive outcome in an appropriate and attractive manner. The study explored that, Early age marriage, Unemployment, Poverty, Low income, Alcohol addiction, Quarrels and arguments, Secularization trends, Low religiosity, Inadequacies in divorce laws and Poor qualities of Quazi (Islamic Judge) are the demographic, economic, behavioural, cultural and legal factors which contributed to more divorces among Muslims. The study focused the consequences of divorce among divorced couples. Both divorced men and women face difficulties after their divorce. Stress, economic burden, family responsibility, child rearing, depression and not interested in remarriage are the negative consequences faced by divorced women. Divorced men also impact emotionally and socially. Loss of social recognition, aggressive, loneliness and guilty feeling are some of it. Freedom, peaceful environment, another chance to lead a better life and release from marital stress are the positive consequences of divorce. Negative outcomes of divorce is severe than positive outcomes, especially among divorced women. The study also talked about the role of Quazi (Islamic Judge). We can observe a shift in Muslim Community through this rapid growth of divorce towards modernization; it definitely destructs the basic social Copyright © ICSUSL-Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka 2017 786 institution family. Immediate actions are essential to address this social issue to preserve the marriage and family life.