What should be done to rectify the marital relationship with a former Christian wife, after they were married civilly without a valid Islamic contract, and then both parties embraced Islam, and the husband wishes to rectify the marriage in a way that pleases Allah?

We congratulate the questioner and his wife on their repentance and guidance to Islam, and we advise them to remain steadfast in the truth.

For a marriage to be valid, it must be with the permission of the woman's guardian (wali) and in the presence of two male witnesses. The testimony of women is not valid in marriage.

For the marriage to a Kitābīyah (a Christian or Jewish woman) to be valid, she must be chaste.

For the continuation of the marriage, the marriage contract must be renewed, fulfilling all the conditions.

If the woman does not have a Muslim guardian, the Islamic center undertakes her marriage. If there is no such center, she should appoint a just man to be her guardian.