Role Played By Marriage Brokers

Muslim Murasu, May 2013

Islam is an international religion. All Muslims in the world are brothers. Situation is different in the marriage market. Generally one Muslim does not trust another Muslim.
Tamilnadu Muslims are not prepared to look beyond the nation for marriage alliances. Those who have spent forty years in Arab land also make a scramble to their native land for wedding arrangements. There is no fraternal bonding between families beyond national border.
One can travel throughout India without passport or Visa. But people seldom cross their state boundary. Even those well educated in English don’t extend their family ties beyond state limits. Merchant marriages also fall within Mohalla limits.
People move out of villages, settle in cities and enjoy economic prosperity. Arranging marriage for son or daughter has become a huge hassle. Family planning is being followed since 1975. Contact and intimacy with relations has dwindled. Self-centered life has become an epidemic.
Marriage is not possible without help by brokers. Alliances are searched through newspapers and websites. Brokers doing rounds in the district should be careful.
Brokers play their role until photo and biodata are exchanged between bride and groom. Appearance in the photograph and in reality differ widely. Families are on their own to ascertain character, background, behavior and income. No one comes forward to bridge the gap. Marriages conducted in haste can end in divorce within six months. No one takes ownership. Muslim Jamaat will be a mere onlooker. Dog eats dog and the mighty prevails.
Mutual trust should blossom among Muslims. Every Mohalla should host a computer based information center for marriage. Details of already married people, men and women looking for marriages should be available for ten rupees. Muslim community morbidly watches the misdeeds in marriages. Every member should participate to protect discipline and decency. It is better to act before it is too late.