In the opulent world of Saudi Arabia's royal family, a recent wedding has sent shockwaves of extravagance and curiosity. Sultan Bin Salman, a 68-year-old Saudi Prince, tied the knot with a stunning 25-year-old woman in a ceremony that epitomized luxury.
The wedding festivities began with a convoy of 20-30 white Range Rover cars, a sight to behold in itself. But what followed was even more breathtaking – a white luxurious bus pulled up, and no less than 30 large boxes were offloaded, filled with gifts for the bride's family. The bride price? A staggering $50 million.
But that wasn't all – the prince also showered his young bride with diamonds and a chariot overflowing with gifts. The wedding ceremony was a grand affair, with the who's who of Saudi Arabia's elite in attendance. Videos of the extravagant wedding have been making the rounds on social media, leaving many in awe of the sheer scale of the celebrations.
While some may raise eyebrows at the significant age gap between the prince and his bride, others might see it as a testament to the enduring tradition of arranged marriages within Saudi Arabia's royal families. Whatever the case, one thing is certain – this wedding will go down in history as one of the most extravagant and talked-about ceremonies in recent memory.
It's worth noting that the Saudi royal family is known for their lavish spending and extravagant lifestyles. For instance, Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, is known to own a $300 million French chateau, a $400 million superyacht, and even a $450 million Leonardo da Vinci painting ¹. In this context, Sultan Bin Salman's $50 million bride price seems almost modest.
*The Complexities of Saudi Law: Understanding the Regulations Surrounding Older Men Marrying Young Girls*
Saudi Arabia, a country governed by Islamic law (Sharia), has long been criticized for its laws and customs surrounding marriage, particularly when it comes to the union of older men and young girls. While some argue that these marriages are a part of Saudi culture and tradition, others claim that they are a form of child exploitation and abuse.
*The Legal Framework*
In Saudi Arabia, the minimum age for marriage is not explicitly stated in the law. However, according to the Saudi Ministry of Justice, the minimum age for marriage is 18 years old for men and 17 years old for women [1]. Despite this, there have been cases where girls as young as 12 years old have been married off to men significantly older than them [2].
*The Role of Sharia Law*
Sharia law plays a significant role in governing marriage in Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic law, a girl can be married off by her guardian (wali) once she reaches puberty, which is typically around the age of 12 or 13 [3]. However, this does not necessarily mean that the girl is ready for marriage or that she has given her consent.
*The Issue of Consent*
One of the most significant concerns surrounding older men marrying young girls in Saudi Arabia is the issue of consent. In many cases, the girls are not given a choice in the matter and are forced into marriage by their families or guardians [4]. This raises serious concerns about the exploitation and abuse of young girls.
*Reforms and Controversies*
In recent years, there have been efforts to reform the laws surrounding marriage in Saudi Arabia. In 2019, the Saudi government introduced a new law that prohibits the marriage of girls under the age of 18 without a court's approval [5]. However, this law has been met with resistance from some conservative elements within the country.
*Conclusion*
The issue of older men marrying young girls in Saudi Arabia is a complex and contentious one. While some argue that these marriages are a part of Saudi culture and tradition, others claim that they are a form of child exploitation and abuse. As the Saudi government continues to grapple with the issue of marriage reform, it is essential to prioritize the rights and well-being of young girls and ensure that they are protected from exploitation and abuse.
References:
[1] Saudi Ministry of Justice. (n.d.). Marriage in Saudi Arabia.
[2] Human Rights Watch. (2019). Saudi Arabia: Child Marriage.
[3] Islamic Relief. (n.d.). Marriage in Islam.
[4] Amnesty International. (2019). Saudi Arabia: Women's rights.
[5] Al Jazeera. (2019). Saudi Arabia raises marriage age to 18.
No comments:
Post a Comment