Understanding the Importance of Announcing a Marriage in Islamic Law
Question: If a marriage includes the presence of the wali and witnesses, is it necessary to announce the marriage for it to be valid?
Answer: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, Announce this marriage, and beat the sieve for it. (Sahih Ibn Majah: 1549). Based on this hadith, scholars have said that announcing the marriage is obligatory, although some scholars do not consider it obligatory. What is essential for a valid marriage is the consent of the wali and two just witnesses. If a girl’s wali marries her off to a man in the presence of two just witnesses, the marriage is valid, though it is also recommended (sunnah) to announce the marriage, either at the time of the contract or through a walimah (feast).
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail