Does the publicity intended by Imam Malik refer to the time of the contract or before consummation? Is the marriage contract valid if the publicity is delayed until the wedding night? Is it valid if the publicity took place on the wedding celebration night (laylat al-milka) and there was a seclusion (khalwa) without consummation before the wedding night?

According to Imam Malik, the public announcement of marriage (ishhar an-nikah) is recommended. The absence of an announcement does not affect the validity of the marriage, and one who does not announce it is not sinful. What is forbidden is conspiring to conceal it, which is a secret marriage (nikah as-sirr). It is recommended to announce it, and the announcement can be made at the time of the contract, before consummation, or after it. The woman becomes a wife simply by virtue of the marriage contract, and whatever is permissible for a husband with his wife becomes permissible for the husband from her, while observing the prevailing custom.