What is the ruling on "zawj friend," which it is said Sheikh Abd al-Majid al-Zindani issued a fatwa allowing as a legitimate alternative to "girlfriend" and "boyfriend" for Muslim youth in the West?

Summary of Sheikh Al-Zindani's Fatwa (definition) Regarding "Friend Marriage":

Sheikh Al-Zindani clarified that the term "friend marriage" came about as a result of a misspelling of his phrase "zawaj friend" (marrying a friend), mimicking the Western term "boyfriend." He advocates avoiding both designations and instead reverting to "facilitated marriage for Muslims in the West."

Content of the Marriage: It is a legally valid contract with all its pillars (guardian, two witnesses, dowry) between a young man and a young woman to avoid falling into vice. Even if they do not have shared accommodation, each returns to their parents' home after enjoying the marriage. It is not a temporary marriage (mut'ah marriage) or one without a guardian, witnesses, or dowry. Rather, its purpose is for the woman to temporarily waive her right to accommodation until it becomes feasible.

Ruling on Waiving the Right to Accommodation: - If waiving the right to accommodation is stipulated in the contract: Scholars differed. Shafi'is and Hanbalis consider the marriage valid and the condition void. Meanwhile, Malikis consider the marriage annulled before consummation, but if consummated, it becomes valid, the condition is void, and the woman is entitled to a customary dowry (sadaq al-mithl). - If waiving the right to accommodation occurs after the contract and with the woman's consent: There is no harm in it, and she can revert to her right whenever she wishes, based on the Almighty's saying: (And if a woman fears from her husband desertion or evasion, there is no sin upon them if they make terms of settlement between themselves - and settlement is best).

The fatwa emphasizes that Sheikh Al-Zindani's position has jurisprudential support and serves the interest of preserving lineage and safeguarding Muslims.