Bangsamoro fatwa bans forced marriage in rape cases

An Islamic advisory council has issued a fatwa stating that forcing a rape survivor to marry her attacker is strictly prohibited under Shari’ah law, which has been cited as a historic move in efforts to protect women's rights.

was recognized by a group as a "historic move" as part of efforts to protect women's rights.

“It is not permissible in Islamic Shari’ah to compel a woman to marry the man who assaulted and raped her,” according to the Fatwa No. 5, Series of 2026 issued by the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta (BDI) on February 26, 2026.

The ruling also stated that "consent is a fundamental requirement for a valid marriage in Islam and cannot be replaced or presumed in situations involving coercion or violence."

The Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) welcomed the issuance, calling it a historic move that upholds the dignity of survivors of gender-based violence.

“The BWC extends its deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to the BDI for issuing a historic fatwa affirming that no woman can be forced to marry her rapist,” the commission said.

The fatwa highlighted that rape is a serious crime under Islamic law and that survivors should not be blamed or punished, but instead protected and supported.

“Rape has established rulings in Islamic Shari'ah… It is one of the most heinous and dangerous crimes. Islamic Shari'ah came to protect honor, safeguard sanctity, and impose strict punishment on anyone who violates it in any form,” it added.

The BDI also said the perpetrator may be required to provide financial compensation to the survivor, such as a dowry equivalent, as recognition of the harm caused.

"However, this does not create any obligation for the survivor to marry the offender. Marriage is only valid when there is explicit and full consent of the woman," it stated.

Authorities urged survivors to seek help through barangay Violence Against Women and Children desks, Women and Children Protection Desks of the Philippine National Police, and local social welfare offices, where legal, psychosocial, and protection services are available. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA News