What is the ruling on a marriage contracted between a widow and a man without an officiant (ma'dhoun) or witnesses, in order to avoid social problems, especially since an Azhari شيخ (scholar) issued a fatwa permitting it in this case? And if public declaration (ishhar) is the solution, does the knowledge of the widow's two daughters, her mother, and her sister about this marriage count as a public declaration that makes it valid?

For a marriage to be valid, the presence of a guardian (wali) and witnesses is stipulated, and this is by agreement of the four Madhhabs. Accordingly, a marriage that lacks these two conditions is invalid, and it must be annulled and the contract renewed in a proper manner if the couple wishes to continue. As for publicizing the marriage (ishhar), it is recommended by any customary means, such as providing food, the presence of a group of people, or by playing the duff, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Publicize the marriage," and his saying: "The distinction between lawful and unlawful is the duff and the voice in marriage."