Living as husband and wife without nikah

Question

In the same way, a relationship arose between another man and woman. When people came to know of it, she says: “I am already married; we have even had two or four children.” But now that man says: “We simply told a lie.” What should be done now?

Answer

If in reality no nikah took place and they lied, then they must immediately perform offer and acceptance (ijab and qabul) in the presence of at least two witnesses and repent of their sins. Until now they have remained caught up in grave sin. When a person repents before God with a sincere heart, weeps, feels remorse and asks forgiveness, Allah accepts the repentance.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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