What is the ruling on a mother marrying عرفيًا (customarily/unofficially) when she is over sixty years old and has children?
If an urfi marriage is a secret marriage without a wali (guardian), then it is invalid. However, if it fulfills the conditions and pillars of marriage, such as the presence of a wali, two witnesses, offer, and acceptance, and it is not officially registered with a judge, then it is legally valid according to Islamic law. If the mother's marriage was invalid, her children must gently explain the Islamic ruling to her. If it was valid, they should advise her to register it to protect rights. It is not permissible for children to prevent their mother from marrying if she wishes to do so, as a woman with children marrying at this age is not considered reprehensible.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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