1949 SAUDI ARABIA Historical document The document includes revenue stamps

Item Specifics

Country

Saudi Arabia

Condition

Unused

Stamp Format

Single

Item Description

historical document written in Arabic, likely a marriage contract (commonly known as a "nikah" contract in Islamic tradition) or a similar legal agreement. The document includes handwritten notes, stamps, and fingerprints, which are typical features of such contracts in certain regions. Here’s what I can tell you based on the image and my knowledge:
Document Type and Purpose:
The document appears to be a marriage contract, as suggested by the structured format, the presence of multiple signatures, fingerprints, and official stamps. Marriage contracts in Islamic tradition often outline the terms of the marriage, including the dowry (mahr), rights and responsibilities of the bride and groom, and witness testimonies.
The title at the top, which includes "عقد الزواج" (marriage contract), confirms this. The document seems to be an official record, possibly issued by a religious or governmental authority.
Structure and Content:
The document is divided into sections with printed Arabic text, likely detailing the standard clauses of the contract, such as the names of the bride and groom, the dowry amount, and the date and place of the marriage.
Handwritten notes in blue ink fill in specific details, such as names, dates, and amounts. For example, the dowry (مهر) section mentions "دولار سعودي" (Saudi Riyal), indicating the currency of the dowry, and "الدفع فوري" (immediate payment), meaning the dowry was paid upfront.
The section labeled "الشروط" (conditions) likely lists any special conditions agreed upon by the bride and groom, though the specifics are not fully clear from the image.
Stamps and Fingerprints:
At the bottom, there are several stamps and fingerprints. The stamps appear to be official seals, possibly from a local authority or religious court, used to authenticate the document. One stamp includes the word "الجمهورية" (Republic), suggesting it might be from an Arab country with a republican government.
Fingerprints are a traditional method of identification in legal documents, especially in regions where literacy rates were historically lower or where additional verification was required. The presence of multiple fingerprints suggests that the bride, groom, and witnesses may have provided them as a form of signature.
Historical and Cultural Context:
The document likely originates from an Arabic-speaking country, possibly Saudi Arabia, given the mention of Saudi Riyal as the currency for the dowry. The style of the stamps and the format of the document suggest it could be from the mid-20th century, though the exact date isn’t clear from the image.
Marriage contracts in Islamic tradition are significant legal and religious documents. They are often formalized in the presence of witnesses and an officiant (such as an imam or a judge) and serve as a binding agreement between the bride and groom.
Stamps on the Document:
The document includes revenue stamps, which are often affixed to legal documents to indicate that a tax or fee has been paid. The stamps here are in Arabic and appear to be from an Arab country, with denominations like "10" and "5" (possibly in dirhams, riyals, or another currency). These stamps are typical in official documents to ensure they are legally recognized.
Signatures and Witnesses:
The document includes spaces for signatures, likely from the bride, groom, witnesses, and the officiant. The handwritten notes at the bottom, such as "امضاء العريس" (signature of the groom), indicate where the groom signed or provided his fingerprint.
The presence of multiple witnesses (شهود) is a standard requirement in Islamic marriage contracts to ensure the agreement is valid and consensual.
Limitations:
Without a full translation of the handwritten text or a clearer view of the date and specific location, I can’t provide precise details about the individuals involved or the exact date of the marriage. Additionally, the specific country of origin isn’t explicitly stated beyond the currency reference to Saudi Riyal, so it could be from Saudi Arabia or a neighboring country that used similar currency at the time.

 
 

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