Worst Week of My Life

This is probably the worst week of my life. Just like Lemony Snickett’s Series of Unfortunate Events, series of unfortunate events happened to me this very week. First, I lots my precious phone. Though it is a vintage model (nokia 1100), it played a very important role in my day-to-day life. It has all my contacts and it’s not really me memorizing contact numbers. I practically lost one of my senses when I could not find it in my pocket. It’s not just a communication device. It’s a watch, a daily planner, a cell phone and an alarm clock rolled into one.

Now, I have like zillion requirements to pass and deadliest deadlines to meet just because I habitually postponed them over the weekends. I do not know anymore if I will still have the energy to submit them on time. My professors are giving too many requirements… one particular professor of mine required us to make a magazine output. Doesn’t she know that we only have a remaining week or two to have classes? What I she requires of us is certainly an academic suicide...

I have this craving for foods especially sweets. I am actually starting to overeat. I should be more disciplined because in March 22, I have to attend to my cousin’s wedding. If fate will be cruel to me, the dress I ordered will not fit me sooner or later.

While watching Rated K yesterday, I saw AAT (my crush) and his family. It irked me that his wife is not as beautiful as I expected her to be and yet he loves her so much. I also got really turned off to AAT because of his inability to convert his ugly wife to Islam. Ayaw ko na sa kanya! Di niya kayang icontrol ang asawa niyang pangit!!! ( sounds bitter noh?)

Divorce: A Moro’s Woman’s Perspective

I am a Muslim lady living in a predominantly Christian country - Philippines. As such, I have the privilege to follow both the Philippine laws and the Islamic laws named Shari’ah law. There are instances that these two laws are in contradiction. One of which is the legality of divorce.

Divorce is permitted in the Shari’ah law but not in the Philippine law. In the Philippines, we only have annulment and legal separation to legally dissolve and nullify marriage. The former is a very tedious process that demands a great deal of money and effort and can even go on for an eternity. The latter on the other hand is a temporary separation which does not guarantee complete freedom. I strongly believe that it is about time for divorce to be legalized in our country if and only if the grounds are justifiable and strong enough such as battery, negligence of either or both sides, incapacity in all forms, concubinage and adultery.

First, why does the couple have to prolong their and their kids’ agony and continue to roast themselves in their own hell? Why do they have to stay in hell when they can reach heaven? Why do they have to continue being married when it brings nothing but the worst in them?

Let us take battery as an example. Some people who are against divorce are claiming that having separated parents will definitely have negative psychological effects on their kids. But do constant, regular and habitual brawls and fights or worse physical violence not have psychological drawbacks on them? Exposure to physical and verbal abuse will undoubtedly make the, emotionally unstable and traumatized.

Second, no offense meant my Christian brothers and sisters; it is a known fact that divorce is not legal here for a mere reason the Philippines is a predominantly Christian country. And divorce is against Christian teachings right? But let us take a look at Spain and Italy. These countries are shelter of the Christian faith, but divorce is legal in them. So, I really can not see a logical reason why should the Philippines not do the same thing and legalize divorce?

I completely understand that the Filipinos are afraid of the possible proliferation of the Britney Spears- like wedding which lasted for only 24 hours. But we have to see the brighter side of the coin. We have to consider a lot more important grounds than just an isolated case of a very short- lived marriage.

Last, we live in a real not ideal world. Ideally speaking, one should not say the marital vows if one is not emotionally, mentally, psychologically, spiritually and financially prepared. But the reality is, a lot of people commit the mistake of saying “I do”. A lot even more are forced into it, either by parental, peer or their partner’s pressure. So, why not give them the chance to correct their mistake and liberate them from the shackles that will eventually destroy their and their children’s lives. In these modern days, it is not really bad to be idealistic. But it is far better to be realistic.

I hope a lot of people will come to their sense and realize that it is time to legalize divorce in the Philippines.