The Superior Court of Ontario recently decided on the issue of honouring the marriage contract signed by the parties and directing one of the parties to apply for Iranian divorce.
In determining whether or not the a party is entitled to the payment of Maher, the courts look to see if the marriage contract was made in writing, signed by both parties, witnessed, had a certificate of the officiant at the marriage, and was entered into by the parties on their own free will, understanding the promises made under it.
The order for a direction for application for an Iranian divorce needs to be sought by the requesting party in their pleadings. Courts may direct one of the parties to apply for Iranian divorce and may direct them to execute all divorce documents required for an Islamic divorce, especially if a Canadian divorce is already granted.
http://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2015/2015onsc7407/2015onsc7407.html