Thursday October 22, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has introduced new guidelines requiring religious officials who solemnize Islamic marriages to register with the ministry, as part of efforts to regulate marriage ceremonies, licensing and the verification of marriage records.
In a statement Wednesday, the ministry said the guidelines establish procedures for the registration, training, licensing and oversight of marriage officiants, known as Ma’dhun, who are authorized to solemnize Islamic marriages, or Nikah.
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“These guidelines apply to Ma’dhun as well as government institutions mandated or authorized to handle their registration, licensing, and the verification of marriages,” the ministry said.
Under the new rules, all marriage officiants are required to register with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and comply with the professional requirements and procedures governing their work.
The ministry said marriages may be solemnized by a judge or an officially registered marriage officiant, establishing a formal framework for conducting and verifying marriages.
The guidelines also require the protection of confidentiality and personal information contained in marriage records, in accordance with Somalia’s laws.
“We urge citizens to follow the new procedures to ensure marriages are properly documented and can be officially verified,” it added.
It also called on the judiciary, justice ministries of federal member states, the Banadir Regional Administration and other relevant institutions to strengthen coordination in implementing the guidelines.
The ministry said the measures are intended to improve oversight of marriage officiants and establish a more consistent system for the registration, verification and management of marriage records across the country.