The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ issued a declaration on February 25 prohibiting the forced marriage of rape victims to their perpetrators. It said this would only inflict added burden on the victim, including trauma from the rape and the difficult condition of being bound to the criminal.
According to the Islamic advisory body, marriage is allowed only if the woman gives consent and after all penalties have been imposed on the perpetrator. Rape involving the use of weapons and abduction is considered *Hiraba* (banditry), which carries a heavier punishment. It also requires the perpetrator to show repentance for the crime committed.
The Women and Children Protection Desk of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region reported 22 rape cases in the region from January to February 2025.
Moro-Christian Peoples Alliance secretary general Amirah Lidasan said the directive reinforces the recognition of rape as a crime and urges Muslim families and religious leaders to protect victims and support their pursuit of justice.
However, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) transitional government must also study how it can assist rape victims who have no means to pay for their legal defense, she said.
“We challenge BARMM to create mechanisms and processes to institutionalize the fatwa within the laws being crafted by the transition authority,” Lidasan explained.
According to Gabriela–Southern Mindanao, the declaration is a victory for Muslim women and children. What the Bangsamoro now needs is to ensure that communities fully understand the directive.
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*The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ is an institution that issues official religious opinions (fatwa) and guidance on Islamic matters for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It interprets Shariah, formulates recommendations to the government and communities on law and public policy from an Islamic perspective, and provides education and consultation for imams, religious leaders, and citizens.*
