Iran: Information on whether a notary public must be a mullah in order to perform marriage ceremonies
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 August 1996 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | IRN24241.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Iran: Information on whether a notary public must be a mullah in order to perform marriage ceremonies, 1 August 1996, IRN24241.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6acb08c.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The following information was provided during a 13 August 1996 telephone interview with a professor specializing in Iran at the Department of Political Science of the Royal Military College in Kingston.
The source stated that a notary public who performs marriage ceremonies does not have to be a mullah. The source added that although a large number of notaries who perform marriage ceremonies are mullahs, notary public can be a civilian with a good knowledge of the Shari'a and Islamic traditions.
The following information was provided during a 13 August 1996 telephone interview with a specialist on Iran in Ottawa.
The source stated that it is unlikely that a notary public must be a mullah in order to perform marriage ceremonies. The source added that the notary public must have a good knowledge of the Shari'a and Islamic traditions. Marriages are part of religious law, not the Civil Code. People who perform marriage ceremonies are licensed by the Iranian state.
The following information was provided during a 15 August 1996 telephone interview with a representative of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The source stated that the person performing a marriage ceremony is not required to be a mullah. Marriage ceremonies must be performed by a person who has the proper legal status and authority, and the marriage contract must conform to Islamic law and traditions.
The source added that people in rural areas would probably marry before a mullah, not because they are obligated but because it is often the only legal way to do so. People who marry in cities would be able to choose between a mullah, or a notary public, for example.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Embassy of the Islamic of Iran, Ottawa. 15 August 1996. Telephone interview with representative.
Professor, Department of Political Science, Royal Military College, Kingston. 13 August 1996. Telephone interview.
Specialist on Iran, Ottawa. 13 August 1996. Telephone interview.