Is it valid for a marriage to take place with the testimony of four women, in the absence of the wife's guardian (wali) and her father, based on the assumption that the testimony of two women is equivalent to that of one man? And what are the consequences if the marriage is invalid?
The majority of scholars stipulate the presence of two just male witnesses for the validity of marriage, and they do not deem the testimony of women in marriage valid, based on the saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "There is no marriage except with a guardian and two just witnesses." Some imams, such as Imam Malik and Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, held that what is obligatory is the announcement of the marriage, not witnessing. It is safer to repeat the contract in the presence of two witnesses, and if the guardian or his agent is not present, the marriage is invalid.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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