Is It Permissible to Conduct a Marriage via Video-Conference?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

Amidst these COVID-19 restrictions, I had initially postponed my nikah ceremony, as families were wary of the spread and social distancing.

However, with the current outlook and with Ramadan upon us-would it be recommended to complete the ‘asl of the nikah via Video-conference, with just the bride/groom and witnesses?

There aren’t many masajid speaking or offering these services, so where would I get the nikah officiated by?

Answer

The matter is entirely up to you. Pray an istikhara and see how you feel about it.

You don’t need a scholar present; however, if you approached a local mosque, I’m sure they would be willing to accommodate you. Otherwise, you could conduct the contract yourself with two witnesses present.

After agreeing on a mahr, the groom can say, “I marry myself to you (name of bride) according to the book of Allah and the Sunna of His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace).” She would then say, “I accept this marriage.” The marriage will be valid if there are two male witnesses on either side. It’s preferable to have someone recite the khutba, but not necessary. [Quduri, Mukhtasar al-Quduri]

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.