What is the ruling on a young man secretly marrying a girl of unknown lineage, who was sponsored by a family from an orphanage, and what advice is offered to the girl, knowing that the young man does not wish to announce the marriage to the girl's family?
The marriage is valid subject to conditions, the most important of which is the guardian (wali). According to the preponderant opinion, a marriage without the guardian's permission is invalid. If the girl does not have a guardian, then the Muslim ruler or his representative (such as Islamic centers in the West) is the one who undertakes her marriage. The aforementioned marriage is invalid and must be annulled, and it is not permissible for the girl to allow the young man intimacy. If the husband does not divorce her, she must refer her case to the Sharia judge or his representative to annul the marriage. If the young man wishes to continue, he should renew the marriage in the correct manner.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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