THIS IS NOT A PETITION BUT A PLEA FOR SHIA CENTRES AND SCHOLARS TO HELP WITH MARRIAGE IN THE COMMUNITY.

Scale of the problem:

According to our scholars marriage becomes obligatory when there is a risk of falling into sin. In the west all bachelors are at a very high risk if not already fallen into great sins. This means that it is obligatory to get married for most if not all bachelors in the west. Not only is this obligatory it is the biggest temptation a Muslim faces. These sins are driving away many people from Islam - sins gradually impact one's belief. Moreover, if sins are committed its impact can last into marriage as well - hence higher rates of divorce.

Lack of effort in tackling the problem:

Taking into consideration the scale of the problem we feel that there is not enough done to tackle the issue in the Shia community. It seems that the only way that this is tackled is by a few/parts of sermons during the year where the Shia's are reminded about the importance of Marriage. Parents and even some bachelors are unaware of its importance. Furthermore, those that do want to marry face many barriers;

Too difficult tell parents

Too difficult to find a spouse

Community emphasis on financial issues

What we want help with from centres and scholars:

We would like the scholars to us in the following ways;

Increase awareness of early marriage/marriage in general to both parents and bachelors - from pulpits and other platforms (workshops, internet, leaflet etc.) consistently througout the year