The main focus of this paper is to examine to what
extent the practice of hilla marriage along with the marriage of polygyny,
remarriage of the divorcee, and widow remarriage compelled the women to be
involved in coitus with different sexual co-partners in different
perspectives and thus may affect the probability of HIV/AIDS mong the
Muslims in Bangladesh. The total population in Bangladesh is about 140
million,and among the total population 85 percent are Muslims. Marriage is
universal practice among the Muslims and it is faroj(compulsory) for every
one. Theoretically,Islam does not allow sexual relations out side of
marriage unless and untill the followers are involved in marital ties in
the relationship of husband and wife. Unmarried persons are looked down
upon among the Muslims because marriage is mashhur(very essential). The
main objective of marriage in Islam is not only to ensure contnuity of the
lineage but also to increase the followers of Islam. Cultural parameters
in terms of customs, norms, beliefs, and value system are associated with
the universal prtactice of marriage among the Muslims in Bangladesh.
The practice of polygyny, widow remarriage,
remarriage of the divorcee and the customs of remarriage of divorcee with
her previous husband are one of the causes of sexually transmitted
diseases(STDs) due to the wider contact of sexual co-partner in different
situations.The AIDS is caused by infection with virus called HIV/AIDS
which is transmitted mainly through blood and sexual contact.For an
example, if a Muslim wants to get remarriage with his divorced wife, he
has to maitain some rules and regulations.First,the divorced woman has to
get marry with a Muslim for a temporary period of time with the condition
that after a menstrual period he has to divorce her and they are also
allowed to maintain conjugal life for a menstrual cycle which is called
hilla marriage according to the shariat and sunna(Islamic law and
regulation). Second,she is examined whether she is conceived or not by her
temporary husband. Third,if she is conceived by her temporary husband then
their marriage is confirmed to be permanent, otherwise according to the
condition and commitment the temporary husband has to divorce his newly
wedded wife after a menstrual period is over and finally she gets
remmaiage with her former husband.Under the circumstances, an wman is
being involved in sexual relation with many male partners and thus may
affect the HIV/AIDS.
About Profulla C. Sarker
Profulla C. Sarker is currently a professor of
Social Work and Social Administration and Director for the Institute of
Cross-Cultural Studies. He did his B.A.(Hons), and M.A.in Social Work in
1971 and 1972 respectively. He obtained M.Phill and Ph.D in Anthropology
1977 and 1988. He has more than 80 scientific research paper in his
recgnition of worth which published in different professional journals. He
is a author and co-author of 5 books. Professor Sarker is a editor of the
forthcoming International Journal of Cross-Cultural Studies.He was a
consultant of UNICEF, WHO, UNFPA,and Population Council. He was supervisor
of 15 Ph.D. and 5 M.Phill dissertations.
