How Are Ijab and Qabul Conducted in an Online Marriage, and What Are the Witness Requirements?
Question
In an online marriage, how is the offer and acceptance (ijab wa qabul) properly done, and what are the requirements for witnesses?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shar‘i Context
A nikah contract is valid when its essential pillars are fulfilled, regardless of whether it takes place in person or through a modern means of communication. Islamic law focuses on the reality of the contract, not the medium used, as long as clarity, certainty, and proper witnessing are achieved.
2. How Ijab and Qabul Are Done Online
In an online nikah, the ijab (offer) and qabul (acceptance) must occur in the same live session, known in fiqh as majlis al aqd.
The wali of the bride, such as her father, must make the offer directly and live, through voice or video, for example:
“I give you my daughter in marriage according to the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and according to the agreed-upon dowry.”
The groom must then respond immediately in the same session, saying for example:
“I accept to marry your daughter according to the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and the terms we agreed upon.”
It is a condition that:
- The exchange is live, not pre-recorded,
- There is no long interruption that breaks the session,
- The wording clearly indicates marriage and acceptance.
Exact phrasing is not required, but the meaning must be explicit and unambiguous.
3. Witness Requirements
Two trustworthy Muslim witnesses must be present and must hear the ijab and qabul clearly.
It is not a condition that:
- One witness be from the bride’s side and the other from the groom’s side, or
- That the witnesses be related to either party.
The witnesses may be:
- Relatives or non-relatives,
- Physically present or attending online,
as long as they can hear and attest that the contract took place properly.
4. Relevant Usul Principle
العبرة في العقود بالمقاصد والمعاني لا بالألفاظ والمباني
Contracts are judged by their intent and meaning, not by specific wording or form.
Since the intent of nikah and the essential elements are clearly fulfilled in a live online session, the contract is valid.
Final Ruling
An online nikah is valid when the wali delivers the ijab and the groom responds with qabul live in the same session, and when two trustworthy Muslim witnesses hear the exchange. The witnesses do not need to be from specific sides or physically present. The key requirements are clarity, continuity, and proper witnessing.
And Allah knows best.