Is reciting Al-Fatiha at the time of the marriage contract part of the Sunnah, and what should a Muslim do if it is?
Reciting Al-Fatiha at the time of marriage contract or engagement is an innovation (bid'ah), as it is not permissible to specify an act of worship to a time or manner not prescribed by Sharia. The Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas has ruled that reciting Al-Fatiha in these situations is an innovation. This recitation does not entail any ruling concerning the contract; rather, what matters is the offer and acceptance with the presence of the guardian and witnesses. The Sunnah at the time of the marriage contract is to recite Khutbat al-Hajah (the sermon of need).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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