Is a secret marriage, without the knowledge of the family and guardian, and without paying the agreed-upon dowry, considered permissible, and what is the method for seeking a divorce if the husband refuses?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
A marriage without a guardian (wali) is invalid according to the majority of jurists, whether the woman is a virgin or previously married. Its annulment is carried out by a judge if the husband does not consent to divorce. A فاسد (irregular/corrupt) marriage, if consummated, entails the same effects as a valid marriage, such as the entitlement to dower (mahr). It is advisable to refer the matter to a judge if the husband does not divorce, especially if he is incapable of consummation.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/124864
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 124864
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy