What are the Sunnah acts of marriage in the Hanafi school of thought?
It is recommended to announce the marriage, deliver a sermon, and for it to take place in a mosque on a Friday, with a رشيد (wise/competent) officiant and just witnesses. It is also recommended to incur debt for it, and to see the fiancée beforehand. The fiancée should be younger than the suitor in age, lineage, honor, and wealth, but superior to him in character, manners, piety, and beauty. It is recommended to choose the woman who is easiest in burden and marriage, and a virgin is preferable. One should not marry a tall, emaciated woman, nor a short, ugly one, nor one who talks excessively, nor one with bad character, nor one who has children, nor an old woman, nor a slave woman while a free woman is available, nor an adulteress. The woman should choose a pious, well-mannered, generous, and wealthy husband. She should not marry a profligate man. The guardian should marry his young daughter to a suitable match and not delay her marriage if she is sought in marriage. Adorning daughters is a Sunnah. A Muslim should not propose over another Muslim's proposal. A Muslim must follow what is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), or what has strong evidence from the words of scholars.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/119112