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Is a Marriage Valid if Done in a Group Message?

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by Seekersguidance.org

Question:
Assalamu ‘alaykuym. I married a man in witness of some of my friends, through text message in a chatroom virtually. Was our marriage through a text message on chatroom valid? If it is valid, what should we do now? I do not want him as my husband. 

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.

The Status of the Marriage

A marriage takes place with an offer and acceptance in the presence of two male witnesses or one man and two ladies. However, in the absence of the involvement of a wali (the closest male relative of the bride), the validity of the marriage depends on whether he is suitable for her or not.

Suitability (kafa’a) is based on various factors, such as lineage, profession, religiousness, and financial situation. If he is not suitable in these areas, the marriage will not take place without the wali’s approval.

Please consult a reliable local scholar on the above. However, if the marriage is valid and you do not wish to be married to him, you can ask for a divorce. If you have not been alone together physically, there is no ‘idda upon this divorce. [Maydani, al Lubab]

Take the Shari’a Seriously

The rulings of the Shari’a have consequences. If you do not know the legal ruling of something, consult a scholar. Playing games with it is highly inappropriate, and it can have disastrous consequences.

It is a fairly common scenario, unfortunately, to hear about someone divorcing his wife – as a joke – in order to make a “funny” TikTok video. The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Three things are serious in seriousness and in jest: marriage, divorce, and revoking a divorce.” (Tirmidhi)

Please learn from this, lest there be some answering that needs to be done in the Day of Judgement.
May Allah facilitate what is best for you.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

This answer was collected from Seekersguidance.org. It’s an online learning platform overseen by Sheikh Faraz Rabbani. All courses are free. They also have in-person classes in Canada.

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