White Marriage; Irresponsibility or Freedom?

In Iran, especially in recent years, couples living together without marriage, or what is referred to as white marriage, has been observed. This phenomenon has both supporters and opponents. Some consider it unethical and a result of not accepting responsibility. Others, however, view such cohabitation without marriage as a reaction to patriarchal laws and a way to have more freedom of choice. Mohammad Ali Elahi, an Imam and founder of the Islamic Wisdom Institute in Michigan, and Fatemeh Haqiqatjou, a former member of the Iranian parliament with a PhD in family counseling, discuss this topic this week on Taboo. Elahi, as a critic and opponent of living without marriage, argues that family is the most traditional social platform and that the health of the family structure leads to the health of society. He emphasizes that marriage is not just a physical relationship but also an emotional, intellectual, and legal one, referring to it as a 'strong covenant' in the Quran. He believes that without marriage, individuals are like a person without a home or clothing. Haqiqatjou, on the other hand, acknowledges the importance of family but recognizes various forms of marriage. She argues that white marriage is not limited to a sexual relationship but is often based on emotional connections. She points out the legal challenges women face in Iran regarding marriage and divorce, which can lead to such arrangements. The discussion highlights the contrasting views on white marriage, with Elahi advocating for traditional marriage and Haqiqatjou arguing for the recognition of diverse family structures. The debate also touches on the implications of patriarchal laws on women's choices and the evolving nature of relationships in contemporary Iranian society.