What is the ruling on renewing a marriage contract if one of the witnesses was heard slandering actresses with accusations of fornication and disbelief, given that it is not certain whether this occurred at the time of the contract or before it? And is renewing the contract considered sufficient public announcement?

First: The questioner is advised to increase the remembrance of Allah and seek refuge from Satan, and not to pay attention to the whisperings that may make him doubt the validity of his marriage.

Second: The aforementioned marriage is valid, and there is no problem with it, for the following reasons: 1. The majority of scholars stipulate two just Muslim witnesses for the validity of marriage. Some scholars, however, are of the view that witnessing is not a condition; rather, it is sufficient to announce and publicize the marriage. This is a strong opinion chosen by Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and preferred by Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen. 2. According to the view of the majority, it is not required for the witness to be just in fact; rather, it is sufficient that their apparent state indicates justice. If it becomes clear after the contract that they were immoral, this does not affect the validity of the contract.