Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised.
The Bangsamoro Darul Ifta (Islamic advisory council) has declared under Fatwa No. 5, Series of 2026, that forcing a rape survivor to marry her perpetrator is strictly prohibited under Islamic Shari’ah law.
The ruling, issued on February 26, reinforces that marriage cannot be used as a remedy for rape and underscores the importance of consent in all unions.
The Bangsamoro Women Commission welcomed the decision, calling it a landmark move in protecting women’s dignity and rights.
The commission emphasized that the fatwa sends a strong message against harmful practices, especially as the region marks National Women’s Month and intensifies efforts to address gender-based violence.
In its ruling, the Darul Ifta stressed that consent is a fundamental requirement for a valid marriage in Islam and cannot be assumed in cases involving coercion or violence.
It warned that forcing survivors into marriage would only deepen their trauma by binding them to their abuser, compounding the harm caused by the crime.
While the fatwa allows for financial compensation from the perpetrator as recognition of harm, it clearly states that this does not obligate the survivor to marry.
The Bangsamoro Darul Ifta (Islamic advisory council) has declared under Fatwa No. 5, Series of 2026, that forcing a rape survivor to marry her perpetrator is strictly prohibited under Islamic Shari’ah law.
The ruling, issued on February 26, reinforces that marriage cannot be used as a remedy for rape and underscores the importance of consent in all unions.
The Bangsamoro Women Commission welcomed the decision, calling it a landmark move in protecting women’s dignity and rights.
The commission emphasized that the fatwa sends a strong message against harmful practices, especially as the region marks National Women’s Month and intensifies efforts to address gender-based violence.
In its ruling, the Darul Ifta stressed that consent is a fundamental requirement for a valid marriage in Islam and cannot be assumed in cases involving coercion or violence.
It warned that forcing survivors into marriage would only deepen their trauma by binding them to their abuser, compounding the harm caused by the crime.
While the fatwa allows for financial compensation from the perpetrator as recognition of harm, it clearly states that this does not obligate the survivor to marry.
Authorities continue to urge victims to seek help through VAWC desks, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Desks, and local social welfare offices. A
If you or someone you know is going through a similar case, additional support is available through the following helplines for immediate assistance:
- PNP Aling Pulis Text Hotline: 0919-7777-377 / 0966-7255-961 / 0920-9071-717
- Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Makabata Helpline: 0915-8022-375 / 0960-3779-863
- NBI Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Division: (02) 8525-6028
These services provide legal, psychosocial, and protective support to ensure the safety and well-being of survivors while facilitating access to justice.
