These are the least controversial aspects of the new contract, however. The problem is the blank space at the bottom of the page, where either party may add customised stipulations. Ninety-five per cent of the brides I have dealt with do not write any conditions. They may also stipulate their right to obtain employment and education. Nirvane, who is only 22, has been married and divorced already, and believes she could have avoided many of the problems she faced in her marriage if she had stipulated specific conditions beforehand.
People change after getting married, especially men.
On the other hand, Mona, who is 24 and newly wed, believes verbal agreements carry more weight than those put in writing. Married last November, Nesrine and Mohamed agreed that they would not include any conditions in their marriage contract. Yet Nesrine and Mohamed were not tested before they got married, and the ma'zoun did not require them to provide a certificate of health. The new law requires a couple to undergo certain tests before getting married, but it has become common practice for the bride and groom simply to sign a document indicating they are have no serious diseases that could prevent them from getting married. Another couple, Nevine and Mahmoud, who have known each other for six years and are currently engaged, believe that making sure you have chosen the right person is the key to a good marriage.