Financial support for women under Islamic family law in Bangladesh and Malaysia

This article looks at the application of Islamic Family Law through decisions of the courts on matters of financial support for Muslim women after divorce in Bangladesh and Malaysia. The selection of the two countries was deliberate in that both are former British colonies with Muslim majority populations. In addition, both have ratified the United Nation's Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination on Women (CEDAW), with reservations. Comparative generalization is made, wherein selected cases of alimony in both countries are analysed. Although Bangladesh and Malaysia are both Muslim countries, there are differences and similarities in how the courts in both countries construe legal provisions in making rulings. The differences, as reflected in their decisions, are influenced by various factors, most notably relating to socio-cultural aspects.