The practice of Muslim marriage law in India is primarily governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937. Here are some key aspects of the practice of Muslim marriage law in India:

  1. Eligibility for Marriage: In Islam, marriage is a contract between the bride and groom, and the consent of both parties is essential. Both parties must be Muslims, or in some cases, non-Muslims who have converted to Islam. The bride must have reached the age of puberty, and the groom must have the means to support his family.
  2. Solemnization of Marriage: Muslim marriages are solemnized by a qazi or a person who has been authorized by the Muslim Marriage Registrar. The marriage contract is known as the nikahnama and is signed by both parties and witnesses.
  3. Mehr: Mehr is a mandatory payment made by the groom to the bride as a symbol of his commitment and financial responsibility towards her. The amount of mehr is agreed upon by both parties before the marriage.
  4. Polygamy: Muslim men are allowed to have up to four wives, subject to certain conditions. However, they must treat all their wives equally and provide for them equally.
  5. Talaq: Talaq is the right of a Muslim man to unilaterally divorce his wife by pronouncing the word “talaq” three times. The practice of instant triple talaq was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of India in 2017, and talaq must now be pronounced in a reasonable manner and with due process.
  6. Khula: Khula is the right of a Muslim woman to obtain a divorce from her husband through a court of law by returning the mehr or other financial settlement. The grounds for khula include cruelty, desertion, and impotence.
  7. Maintenance and Custody: Under Muslim marriage law, the husband has a duty to provide maintenance to his wife during the marriage and after divorce. In case of divorce, the custody of minor children is usually given to the mother.

The practice of Muslim marriage law in India involves a combination of legal requirements, customary practices, and social norms. The legal framework provides for the rights and obligations of both spouses during and after the marriage, while customary practices vary across different regions and communities. The practice of talaq has been subject to controversy and debate, with efforts being made to reform the practice and protect the rights of Muslim women.