Is a marriage conducted between a Muslim man and a Christian woman in a mosque, in the presence of an Imam and two witnesses, considered a legitimate marriage, given that the couple was cohabiting before the contract, and the prevailing Madhhab in the country is Hanbali, and the wife does not drink alcohol or eat pork?

A valid marriage has conditions, the most important of which is the guardian (wali). The guardian for a Christian woman is her guardian from her own religion. If such a guardian is not available, then the Muslim ruler or a ruler from her own religion may act as her guardian in marriage. If a woman marries without the permission of her guardian, her marriage is invalid, unless the Imam of the mosque acts in place of the Sharia judge and performs her marriage, in which case her marriage is valid. If the marriage is not valid, it must be annulled. If they wish to renew it, it must be done in a proper manner. It is a condition for a Muslim man marrying a Christian woman that she be chaste. However, it is preferable to marry a righteous Muslim woman.