What are the rights of a Muslim woman married by a Saudi man in Japan without witnesses or a dowry, other than gifts, when he refuses to take her to Saudi Arabia, despite knowing of his marriage to another woman?
Marriage has pillars and conditions, the most important of which are the guardian (wali), two witnesses, and the announcement of the marriage. If any of these are absent, such as the lack of a guardian, witnesses, or announcement, the marriage is invalid (), and it is obligatory to abstain from the husband and renew the contract with its conditions. The woman's guardian must be a Muslim. If there is no such guardian, a Muslim judge, or an official from an Islamic center, or a just Muslim man can act as her guardian with her consent. The woman must have a dowry (mahr), and if no specific dowry is mentioned, she is entitled to a dowry equivalent to that of women of her status (mahr al-mithl). The husband is obligated to provide suitable housing and maintenance (). He is not permitted to leave his wife in a country where she is not safe, or to be absent from her for more than six months without her consent. If his need for being in the country where he married her ends, he must take her with him or house her in another city. If the husband refuses to give her her rights or to take her with him, she has the right to seek a divorce. It is advisable to be cautious and meticulous regarding expatriates who seek marriage, as many of them are not serious about marriage, but rather intend to satisfy a fleeting desire and then abandon the wife, and perhaps even the children.
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