Nikah with the Testimony of Women Alone

Question

Zayd performs the duties of imam in the mosque of the neighbourhood without pay; the reading of nikahs in the neighbourhood is also entrusted to him. It has become known from a reliable source that some time ago Zayd himself read his own nikah with a widow with the testimony of four women. The first wife lives in another place; the second wife lives with him. Is it proper for such a person to lead the prayer and to have nikahs read by him, or not?

Answer

By the testimony of women alone (even if they are four) a nikah is not valid; whoever did so acted wrongly. It is incumbent (lazim) on him to repent and seek forgiveness for this mistake of his, and to perform the offer and acceptance again before at least two men, or one man and two women. It is also necessary that he fulfil the rights of both wives equally.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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