📜 Akad nikah · #1
What are the pillars of marriage in Islam?
In the Shafi'i school, there are five pillars of marriage: the groom, the bride, the wali, two witnesses and the sighah (offer and acceptance).
If any pillar is missing, the contract is invalid. Each pillar also has its conditions: the groom and bride must be specific persons, not mahram to each other and not in ihram; the wali must be a qualified Muslim man; the witnesses two upright Muslim men; and the words of offer and acceptance must be clear, continuous and without a time limit. In Malaysia, the contract must also follow the procedure in the state Enactment and be registered. See the full summary in Marriage Essentials and Marriage contract.
If any pillar is missing, the contract is invalid. Each pillar also has its conditions: the groom and bride must be specific persons, not mahram to each other and not in ihram; the wali must be a qualified Muslim man; the witnesses two upright Muslim men; and the words of offer and acceptance must be clear, continuous and without a time limit. In Malaysia, the contract must also follow the procedure in the state Enactment and be registered. See the full summary in Marriage Essentials and Marriage contract.
Difference between schools. The Hanafi school does not make the wali a pillar for an adult woman of sound mind, while the Maliki school does not require witnesses at the contract but requires a public announcement before consummation.
Sources
Surah an-Nisa' 4:3Sunan Abu Dawud 2085 (sahih)Sunan Abu Dawud 2083 (sahih)