What is the ruling on an 'urfi marriage, and what is the reason for accepting a shar'i (legally valid) marriage while rejecting an 'urfi marriage, considering Allah's saying: ﴿By the [winds] sent forth in succession ( 'urfan)﴾, and His saying: ﴿Hold to forgiveness; command what is right ('urfi)﴾, and what is mentioned in Surat Al-A'raf regarding concealment, pregnancy, and witnessing between spouses?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The verses mentioned have no relation to common-law marriage. "By the sent forth one after another" refers to the wind or the angels. "Hold to forgiveness; command what is customary" means enjoining what is good. The verses concerning the creation of Adam and Eve and their offspring do not speak of common-law marriage, but rather of the natural marital relationship and the acknowledgment of God's Lordship by the progeny.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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