Islamic marriage ≠ legal marriage
Today, the issue of marriage holds great importance in society. Every year, hundreds of thousands of young people in our country start families. For example, in 2025, more than 267,000 marriages were officially registered in Uzbekistan. This shows how significant the institution of family is in society. However, in some cases, marriage is limited only to a religious ceremony. As a result, many people think that a religious marriage is the same as a legal marriage. In reality, these two concepts are different.
According to the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a marriage is considered valid and legal only after it is officially registered with the civil registry office (ZAGS/FHDYO). After state registration, rights and obligations arise between spouses.
What is a legal marriage?
A legal marriage is a union between a man and a woman based on mutual consent and officially registered by the state through the civil registry office (FHDYO). Through this registration, spouses gain the following rights:
A religious marriage is a marriage conducted through a religious ceremony and is important from a religious perspective. However, if it is not registered with the civil registry office (FHDYO), it is not recognized by the state as a legal marriage.
Therefore, a religious marriage is considered only an additional ceremony and cannot replace a legal marriage.
Advantages of a legal marriage:
If a marriage is not registered with the state, the following problems may arise:
the woman may not be able to claim alimony
it becomes difficult to claim shared property
rights may not be protected in case of separation
legal protection for the woman and children becomes weaker
many issues may need to be proven in court
As a result, in such situations, women and children are often the ones who suffer the most.
Today, the issue of marriage holds great importance in society. Every year, hundreds of thousands of young people in our country start families. For example, in 2025, more than 267,000 marriages were officially registered in Uzbekistan. This shows how significant the institution of family is in society. However, in some cases, marriage is limited only to a religious ceremony. As a result, many people think that a religious marriage is the same as a legal marriage. In reality, these two concepts are different.
According to the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a marriage is considered valid and legal only after it is officially registered with the civil registry office (ZAGS/FHDYO). After state registration, rights and obligations arise between spouses.
What is a legal marriage?
A legal marriage is a union between a man and a woman based on mutual consent and officially registered by the state through the civil registry office (FHDYO). Through this registration, spouses gain the following rights:
- the right to joint ownership of property
- fair division of property in case of divorce
- the right to claim alimony
- protection of children's rights
- access to social and legal protection as spouses
A religious marriage is a marriage conducted through a religious ceremony and is important from a religious perspective. However, if it is not registered with the civil registry office (FHDYO), it is not recognized by the state as a legal marriage.
Therefore, a religious marriage is considered only an additional ceremony and cannot replace a legal marriage.
Advantages of a legal marriage:
- registered with the civil registry office (FHDYO)
- recognized by the state
- guarantees rights to shared property and assets
- protects rights in case of divorce
- provides legal protection for children
If a marriage is not registered with the state, the following problems may arise:
the woman may not be able to claim alimony
it becomes difficult to claim shared property
rights may not be protected in case of separation
legal protection for the woman and children becomes weaker
many issues may need to be proven in court
As a result, in such situations, women and children are often the ones who suffer the most.
Kurbanova Marjona
