What is the ruling on a marriage contract if there is doubt about the father’s (guardian’s) Islam? And does the father’s uttering of blasphemous words in anger constitute apostasy, or is he excused due to his ignorance? And what is the ruling on his prayer, which includes the two testimonies of faith, in proving his Islam? Is the contract valid with the consent of the other guardians, given that the father has abandoned prayer? Is there any evidence for the invalidity of marriage due to the guardian’s apostasy? And can the contract be rectified based on the rectification of an unauthorized person’s marriage?

This question is related to waswas (whispers/obsessive thoughts); therefore, it is advisable to completely disregard it. The majority of jurists stipulate the presence of a Muslim wali (guardian) for the validity of a marriage contract. If the father curses Allah or His Messenger, or utters words that take him out of the fold of Islam, and does not repent, then his contract for his ward is not valid, unless he repents before the contract, or prays (according to those who consider prayer sufficient for the repentance of a disbeliever). As for the Hanafis, they believe that the contract of an apostate is valid if the woman gives her permission, because they do not stipulate the wali. As for one who abandons prayer without denying its obligation, there is a difference of opinion regarding whether he is a disbeliever. It is advisable to gently alert the father to the seriousness of abandoning prayer and what expels one from the fold of Islam. It is also advisable to refer the matter to the Sharia courts to rule on the details of the issue.