Did you know that Muslim marriages under Sharia laws are not recognized legally in most countries?

For couples without a Muslim civil marriage, this can lead to long-term stress, visa rejection, marriage acceptance and so on.

Hence why, in this blog, we will explore the Muslim civil marriage process and outline the documentation needed for both civil and religious ceremonies.

Muslim Civil Marriage

The revised marriage laws in Dubai have made it easier for foreign Muslims to apply for Muslim civil marriages. A court marriage in Abu Dhabi is one way for couples to legalize their relationships.

Moreover, a Muslim civil marriage provides both parties with legal protection by way of provisions concerning property division, alimony, and child custody. Besides this, inheritance rights, social security benefits, and cases of couples sponsoring each other for visas and residency are just a few of the many benefits available.

The process is indeed quite easy for the Muslims staying in the UAE and want to get married civilly. The presence of an attestation registrar is necessary who oversees attestation by courts in Abu Dhabi and finalizes the registration of Muslim civil marriages among residents and visitors to the UAE.

Civil Marriage Eligibility 

Federal Law No. (41) of 2022 on Civil Personal Status provides guidelines for civil marriages. Article 5 requires:

• Both individuals must be 21 years of age or older.
• The couple must not be related.
• In Dubai, at least one party must be a resident.
• Both individuals must consent to the marriage.
• Proof of single status must be provided.
• A disclosure form is required for both parties.

What Do You Need to Marry in Civil Court?

• ID
• Passport
• Previous marriage annulment or divorce certificate
• Two male witnesses

Muslim Civil Marriage vs. Shariah Marriage in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers two major legal frameworks for marriage, namely: Muslim civil marriage and Shariah marriage. Both cater to different cultural, religious, and legal preferences by allowing the couple to choose the system that best fits their personal circumstances.

Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi

Meanwhile, Muslim civil marriages in Abu Dhabi are performed in accordance with Federal Law No. 41 of the Year 2022 on Civil Personal Status for expatriate non-Muslim residents and interfaith couples. This is a more modern legal conception, in tune with Abu Dhabi’s liberal approach toward civil liberties, especially for expatriates, and closer in spirit to international Muslim civil marriage law.

Key Features of Civil Marriages

• No Guardian Approval Required: On the other hand, civil marriages do not necessarily require approval on behalf of the bride from any guardian, thus giving more freedom toward the decision being made; hence, it allows both parties to marry without requiring consent other than mutual consent.
• No Mandatory Medical Tests: The law does not require compulsory medical tests, and it is thus easier and less complicated to go through than Shariah marriages.

• Easier Interreligious Marriages: Civil marriage is all-inclusive; it does not have any religious constraints for couples of different faiths. This has especially helped Abu Dhabi’s large population of expatriates, who more likely get interfaith marriages.

• Registration Process: Civil marriages can be registered with Dubai Courts or relevant civil authorities, offering a streamlined process that is easily accessible to both residents and non-residents of Abu Dhabi.

Civil marriages are particularly attractive to those couples whose ideology needs a secular law based on personal freedom and modern legal standards. This system would also be attractive to expatriates who are not Muslims or couples who would not want to go through the marital procedures in Islam.

Shariah Marriage in Abu Dhabi

On the other hand, Shariah marriage is executed under Islamic law and is profoundly integrated with conventional traditions and religious bodies. This type of marriage finds large acceptability among Muslim husbands and wives who would like to comply with Islamic benchmarks.

Key Features of Shariah Marriages

• Guardian Approval (Wali): In the case of a Shariah marriage, there must be approval from the guardian of the bride, usually a male relative. This also reflects the conventional Islamic view of family roles and responsibilities in marital arrangements of protection and oversight of the family.
• Mandatory Medical Examinations: Both the bride and the groom have to undergo medical tests before marriage can be finalized. This was one of the preventive methods to ensure health and well-being for each party and to prevent potential health complications for future offspring, which fits within Islamic principles in relation to family welfare.
• Restricted to Same-Faith Marriages: Sharia marriages are usually between people of the same faith, that is Islam. Whereas Muslim men can marry any woman from the “People of the Book“, namely Christians or Jews, Muslim women usually marry Muslim men; this reflects the religious importance of faith and family continuity within Islam.
• Documentation in Islamic Courts: Shariah marriages are recorded in Islamic courts with qadis, or Islamic judges, who ensure that marriage is performed in total conformity to Shariah. Nikah is the Islamic contract of marriage, a legally binding agreement spelling out the rights and obligations of both bride and groom per Islamic law.

Shariah marriages tend to orient towards religious and cultural values and are preferred by the subjects whose religious consciousness constitutes an integral part of their marriage. This option is surely more corresponding to conservative values since it involves more family interaction through the guardian and puts a greater emphasis on the religious appropriateness of a match.

Whether you choose a Muslim civil marriage or a Shariah marriage, Easy Wedding will assist you at every step of the way.

Securing a Civil Marriage After a Shariah Ceremony

While marriage in the UAE is predominantly based on Sharia law, a Muslim civil marriage makes life much easier from a legal point of view later on.

This will mean legal recognition worldwide, something very important for international dealings. It also makes things rather easy administratively, as premarital health checks are not needed and it simplifies the application process.

Procedure for Nikkah with Civil Marriage

Easily Plan Your Abu Dhabi Marriage Today! 

Seeking an easy Abu Dhabi marriage option?

Opt for a Muslim civil marriage for a hassle-free process. Easy Wedding provides tailored packages to ensure a smooth and effortless celebration. 

Reach out today to simplify your experience!

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