Is what transpired—a marriage proposal in the presence of family and witnesses, and acceptance from both parties, without mention of the dowry—considered a legally valid marriage?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The mention of the dowry is not a condition for the validity of the marriage contract. However, the formula mentioned does not constitute a valid marriage contract, because the statement: "We have come to seek your daughter's hand in marriage" is merely a proposal. As for the marriage contract itself, it requires a form of offer and acceptance, such as the guardian saying: "I marry you to so-and-so," and the husband saying: "I accept her marriage." Therefore, what transpired between your brother and the girl's father does not constitute a valid marriage.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/149861
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 149861
- 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