“It is a meaningful step forward in upholding the dignity, rights, and justice that every woman and girl deserves.”

CAGAYAN DE ORO — The religious advisory body in the Bangsamoro region recently issued a declaration that prohibits forced marriage between Muslim women victimized by rape and their perpetrators.

In a document dated February 25, 2026, Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ declared that compelling a woman to marry a man who assaulted and raped her is not permissible in Islamic law, as it would impose burdens on the victim. This includes the traumatic experience from being raped and the unbearable situation of being tied to a person who perpetrated the crime.

For a group that pushes for the advancement of women’s rights and welfare, this fatwa (religious edict) issued by the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ is more than a religious declaration.

“It is a meaningful step forward in upholding the dignity, rights, and justice that every woman and girl deserves,” the Strengthened Initiatives re-Defining Action of Women (Sindaw) said in a statement sent to Bulatlat.

The Islamic advisory body stated that marriage can only be permissible if a raped woman gives consent and after the imposition of all penalties on the perpetrator of rape that is not accompanied by the use of weapons or kidnapping.

Rape that involves weapons and abduction, according to Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’, is considered Hiraba (banditry), which constitutes a more severe punishment.

In addition, the perpetrator must also repent his crime.

Najma Daromimbang, Sindaw co-convenor, acknowledged the persisting harmful practice of forcing Muslim women victimized by rape into marriage, which is sometimes, she said, justified by narrow interpretations of tradition or religious writings.

Read:Child marriages in Bangsamoro towns due to certain cultural, economic contexts

Hence, she said this declaration is highly significant because it corrects misinterpretations.

It also highlights the importance of accountability, saying that perpetrators of sexual violence should not evade persecution, said advocacy group Oxfam Pilipinas.

From January 2025 until February 2025, there were 22 reported cases of rape in the region, according to the Women and Child Protection Desk of Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Amirah Lidasan, secretary general of Moro-Christian Peoples Alliance, welcomed the declaration, saying this ruling will strengthen the recognition of the crime and compel Muslim families and religious leaders to protect rape victims and support them seeking justice.

However, she said the interim government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) should look into ways on how to help rape victims from marginalized communities who cannot afford legal defense.

“We also challenge the BARMM to provide mechanisms and processes for the fatwa to be enshrined with the laws that they are allowed to craft during the transition authority,” Lidasa told Bulatlat.

The Southern Mindanao chapter of women’s alliance Gabriela also considered the declaration a victory for Muslim women and girls. What the Bangsamoro region needs now, the group said, is to ensure the full awareness of communities pertaining to the said religious edict.

Sindaw said the true impact of this fatwa “depends on how it is understood, accepted, and put into practice by all members of society.” (RVO)

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