Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) advised, ‘Announce the Nikah.’
(Mishkaat)
The wisdom behind the announcement is to avoid any misconception of an
illegal and illicit relationship between the boy and girl. Although the
first and secret marriage for the purpose of legalizing intimacy will be
valid and the relationship between the boy and girl will not be prohibited,
but we are also advised to abstain from doubt and disgrace. If the Nikah is
not announced, people witnessing the relationship will regard the
relationship as Haraam and illegal. That is very disgraceful.
Furthermore, what if the girl conceives and gives birth before the official
‘second’ marriage. That child will be regarded as an illegitimate child in
public. The
negative factors surrounding that as well as the child for the rest of his
life are well known. Therefore, we advise that if there is a dire need to
fulfil one’s desires, the Nikah be expediated to avoid the abovementioned
negative factors of a secret marriage.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.