How can a man who repented from adultery after his marriage, being ignorant of the obligation to repent before marriage, rectify his marriage contract without exposing himself after God has concealed him, and is his marriage valid in this case, and what is the fate of his children?

The Hanbali school of thought holds that marriage in this matter is invalid, whereas the majority of jurists consider it valid. Whoever adopts the view of the majority of jurists has ample room to do so, as it alleviates hardship and acknowledges the strength of the differing opinion. It is preferable to renew the marriage contract to avoid disagreement. The husband is not required to disclose the true reason and can use circumlocution. The renewal can take place with the presence of the guardian and witnesses only, without public announcement, as announcement is recommended, not obligatory. As for the children, they are attributed to the man in all cases, as a marriage about which there is disagreement is considered a doubtful marriage, in which the child is attributed to his father.