Key Steps to Legally Get a Muslim Civil Marriage 2024
A nikkah under the Sharia law is not recognized legally by many countries, but a Muslim civil marriage can solve this problem
Combining the legal and religious aspects of marriage has never been easier with the new regulations in UAE. A Muslim civil marriage in Abu Dhabi allows for foreign Muslims, which is very important for protection and benefits, to get legally married.
In this blog, we are going to take you through how this process works and how you can get married with ease.
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Muslim Civil Marriage
With the new Muslim civil marriage laws, a new avenue is opened for foreign Muslims to get married on valid grounds. Hence, it would establish a couple’s union on legal and official grounds by doing a court marriage in Abu Dhabi.
In a Muslim civil marriage, both parties are accorded legal protection with regard to property division, alimony, and child custody. Other legal benefits of marriage for couples that are acquired, including inheritance rights, social security benefits, and sponsoring each other for visas and residency.
In the UAE, the procedure is uncomplicated for a Muslim who wishes to marry under a Muslim civil marriage. In Abu Dhabi, the attestation officer of the Court is responsible for the registration and completion of Muslim civil marriages, whether for visitors or residents.
Muslim Civil Marriage Eligibility
According to Federal Law No. (41) of 2022 on Civil Personal Status, which governs marriage, Article 5 specifies the following conditions for a civil marriage:
- Each individual must be at least 21 years old.
- The couple must be unrelated by blood.
- Both must consent to the marriage openly.
- Proof of single status must be presented.
- A signed disclosure form is required.
Requirements for a Civil Court Marriage
A civil court marriage is quite manageable. Prepare the following:
- ID
- Passport
- Proof of annulment or divorce from any previous marriage
- Two male witnesses
Civil Marriage vs. Shariah Marriage
| Aspect | Civil Marriage | Shariah Marriage |
| Legal Framework | Regulated by Federal Law No. (41) of 2022 on Civil Personal Status. | Regulated by Islamic Sharia law. |
| Guardian (Wali) Approval | Not required | Required for the bride. |
| Medical Test | Not required | Required for both parties. |
| Interreligious Marriage | Allowed with conditions | Generally restricted; typically same religion. |
| Marriage Registration | Registered with UAE Courts or relevant authority. | Registered with Islamic courts. |
| Application Process | Requires form submission to Authentication Judge. | Involves traditional religious steps. |
| Non-Residents Marriage | Allowed with specific conditions | Often restricted; requires residency. |
| Documentation Required | Includes ID, proof of residence, and previous marriage certificates. | Includes ID, proof of residence, and religious documents. |
| Marriage Contract Language | Available in Arabic and English | Typically in Arabic. |
| Legal Rights and Responsibilities | Defined by UAE civil law with protections. | Defined by Islamic law, specifying rights and duties. |
Whether you choose a Muslim civil marriage or a Shariah marriage, every step of the process will be supported by Easy Wedding.
Civil Marriage Following Shariah Law
While marriage practice is mainly governed by Shariah law in the UAE, getting a Muslim civil marriage can be very helpful in many ways. This step offers global legal recognition, serving to make life easier if one has dealings with an international institution.
It will also avoid some issues connected with premarital screenings that make it easier to fulfill the administrative requirements for the couple.
Process for Nikkah with Civil Marriage
Here’s a simple guide to get you civil marriage done:
Step 1
Conduct the Nikkah ceremony and have your marriage certificate attested by MOFA.
Step 2
Prepare and organize your documents, including passport, ID cards, and divorce or annulment certificates.
Step 3
Reserve a date for the civil court marriage.
Step 4
Go to the court on the scheduled date to complete the civil marriage process and receive your official marriage certificate.
Plan Your Dream Marriage Now!
Don’t let the planning stress you out—let Easy Wedding make it effortless! Reach out today for a smooth and seamless Abu Dhabi wedding.
Act now to start planning your dream marriage with ease and confidence!
FAQs
Can a Muslim marry a non-Muslim in the UAE?
In the UAE, Muslim men are allowed to marry women from other religions, such as Christianity or Judaism. However, Muslim women typically cannot marry non-Muslim men unless the man converts to Islam. Recently, new regulations have made it possible for Muslim women to marry non-Muslim men through civil court procedures.
Do you need to be a resident of the UAE to get married?
You do not need to be a resident of the UAE to get married there. Tourists can also get married. To do so, you will need to complete a marriage application and provide several documents, including your passport and other proof of your current status. The process involves submitting these documents for review and approval.
Is civil marriage the same as Nikah?
Civil marriage and Nikah are not the same. Nikah is a marriage ceremony conducted according to Islamic religious rules and is recognized in Islamic countries like the UAE. On the other hand, civil marriage is carried out by a government authority and follows secular, non-religious procedures. Civil marriage is meant for those who do not follow religious practices or prefer a non-religious ceremony.
