What is meant by attestation (al-ishhad), and is the presence of family, friends, and neighbors at the wedding ceremony sufficient for knowledge of the marriage?

Witnessing is a pillar of marriage, without which it is not valid. Its meaning, according to the majority of scholars, is the presence of two just witnesses at the time of the contract. According to the Maliki school, it is sufficient for them to be present at the time of consummation.

If the witnessing by two just individuals does not occur, neither at the time of the contract nor at the time of consummation, then the marriage is void. It is obligatory to renew the contract with the presence of a guardian, two just witnesses, and a dowry. The children are considered legitimate and belong to the husband.

Publicizing the marriage through a wedding celebration does not take the place of witnessing, which is a pillar. It is not a condition to be present at an Islamic center for the contract; rather, it is sufficient for a mosque imam or a just Muslim man to officiate it.