Practical steps
Check your local law
In some countries the marriage must be held in a registered venue or before a registrar, or it has no legal standing.
Prepare documents
Passports, proof of marital status and any previous divorce papers, as your country requires.
The Islamic contract
Offer and acceptance, wali, two witnesses and a named mahr, all written down.
Civil registration
Done at a court or registry, or by an officially authorised imam depending on the state or country.
Keep copies
Keep both documents for visas, births and inheritance.
Legal rules (registration, inheritance, custody) differ by country, so check local law or a qualified lawyer.
This guide is for learning, not a fatwa. Where scholars differ we show the positions of the schools; for your own situation ask a trusted scholar or Islamic centre in your country.
Questions fréquentes
Is a civil marriage alone valid in Islam?
It is valid religiously only if the pillars exist: offer and acceptance, wali, witnesses and mahr; mere administrative registration without them is not enough.
Is a secret, unregistered marriage allowed?
Public announcement is required and a secret marriage can strip a woman of rights, so it is discouraged.
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