How many types of marriages are available?

Under sunni Muslim law marriages are three types and under shia Muslim law there are two types of marriage. Those are described as follows;

1. Sunni Law :

According to sunni jurists, a marriage may be of either;

a. Valid; or

b. Void; or

c. Irregular;

1. Valid Marriage :

Valid marriage is one which has absolutely made in accordance with law and is free from any defect.

When all the legal conditions are fulfilled the marriage is called Sahih or Valid marriage. The marriage is void, if the prohibition, in marriage, is perpetual but it is irregular, if the prohibition is temporary.

2. Void Marriage :

A marriage which has no legal effects in the eye of law is called void marriage. A marriage forbidden by the rules of blood relationship, affinity, or fosterage is void. Similarly, a marriage with the wife of another is also void.

3. Irregular Marriage :

A marriage may be either lawful or unlawful. If a marriage is lawful, it is called valid marriage and if a marriage is unlawful, it is called void marriage. But if a marriage in neither lawful nor unlawful, it is called irregular marriage.

A marriage may irregular, if following conditions are available;

§ A marriage without require witnesses.

4. According to Hanafi law, two adult male or one adult male and adult two female witnesses are required for a valid marriage.

§ A marriage with a woman during observing iddat period.

5. If the marriage is dissolved by the death of husband, Four (4) months and ten (10) days or till delivery if the widow is pregnant, whichever is longer, are required for observing iddat,

6. Three (3) months/ninety days or till delivery, if the widow is pregnant, whichever is longer are required for observing iddat, if the marriage is dissolved by nature (Divorce).

§ A marriage with a fifth wife in the presence of four wives.

§ A marriage with a non Muslim female.

§ A marriage with two sisters within the same time etc.

2. Shia Law :

According to sunni jurists, a marriage may be of either;

a. Valid; or

b. Void;

7. Valid Marriage :

Valid marriage is one which has absolutely made in accordance with law and is free from any defect.

8. Void Marriage :

Written With The Help Of Refference Book:

1. Mulla’s Principles Of MAHOMEDAN LAW (19^th Edition)