❖ Sharʿī Ruling on Nikāḥ via Live Video or Telephone Call ❖
Question:
In certain situations, people resort to conducting Nikāḥ (marriage contracts) via live video or phone calls, in the presence of a walī (guardian) and witnesses. Is such a marriage valid in Islam? Scholars are requested to clarify.
Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir (حفظه الله)
Shaykh Ikrāmullah Wāḥidī (حفظه الله)
Performing Nikāḥ through live video or telephone call is valid and permissible, provided that all Sharʿī conditions are fulfilled.
① Presence of the Walī (guardian):
Nikāḥ is only valid if the woman's walī is present and consents.
② Two trustworthy witnesses:
As with all valid nikāḥs, there must be at least two witnesses.
③ Verified identity of all parties:
④ Clear, mutual consent:
The proposal (ījāb) and acceptance (qabūl) must be clearly heard and understood.
This method should not be used in a careless or secretive manner. The parties involved must ensure:
◈ There is no deception or misunderstanding,
◈ All Islamic guidelines for transparency, guardianship, and testimony are met.
✔ Nikāḥ via live video or phone call is Islamically valid,
✔ Even in normal circumstances, not just in emergencies,
✔ As long as all necessary conditions — especially walī and witnesses — are fulfilled.
Question:In certain situations, people resort to conducting Nikāḥ (marriage contracts) via live video or phone calls, in the presence of a walī (guardian) and witnesses. Is such a marriage valid in Islam? Scholars are requested to clarify.
Answer by:
Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir (حفظه الله)
Shaykh Ikrāmullah Wāḥidī (حفظه الله)
Ruling: Nikāḥ via Live Call is Valid
Performing Nikāḥ through live video or telephone call is valid and permissible, provided that all Sharʿī conditions are fulfilled.
- Even if the call is audio-only (without video) on a basic mobile phone, it is still valid.
- This includes both emergency cases and even non-emergency situations, as long as proper precautions are taken.
Essential Conditions to Validate Nikāḥ Remotely:
① Presence of the Walī (guardian):
Nikāḥ is only valid if the woman's walī is present and consents.
② Two trustworthy witnesses:
As with all valid nikāḥs, there must be at least two witnesses.
③ Verified identity of all parties:
- Both parties should be certain of each other’s identity.
- There should be no ambiguity or possibility of impersonation.
- Contact details (phone number, etc.) must be verified.
④ Clear, mutual consent:
The proposal (ījāb) and acceptance (qabūl) must be clearly heard and understood.
⚠ Additional Caution
This method should not be used in a careless or secretive manner. The parties involved must ensure:
◈ There is no deception or misunderstanding,
◈ All Islamic guidelines for transparency, guardianship, and testimony are met.
Conclusion
✔ Nikāḥ via live video or phone call is Islamically valid,
✔ Even in normal circumstances, not just in emergencies,
✔ As long as all necessary conditions — especially walī and witnesses — are fulfilled.
