Explanation of the hadith
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) points out that a woman's marriage is not valid without a guardian who concludes the marriage contract.
There is no marriage except with a guardian
AuthenticNarrated by Abu Dāwūd, At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Mājah, and AhmadHadeethEnc #58066
عن أبي موسى رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال:
عن أبي موسى رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: «لا نِكَاحَ إِلّا بِوَليٍّ».
English translation
Abu Mūsa al-Ash‘ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said:
Abu Mūsa al-Ash‘ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There is no marriage except with a guardian."
Benefits from the hadith
- The guardian is a prerequisite for the validity of marriage. If the marriage occurs without a guardian or a woman marries herself off, the marriage is not valid.
- The guardian is the closest man to a woman. No distant guardian can marry her off while a closer guardian is available.
- A guardian must be: accountable, male, wise, aware of the interests related to marriage, and have the same religion as the one under his guardianship. Whoever does not fulfill these requirements is not qualified to be a guardian in a marriage contract.
Marriage