Eloping
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
Eloping is where an engaged couple run off together and get married without the knowledge of family and friends.
The ruling according to the Shariah is that as long as the marriage is conducted in the presence of two witnesses, (two men or a man and two women), it will be done and valid. (Raddul Muhtar p.87 v.4)
Similarly, if the marriage was conducted without the consent of one’s parents, it will still be considered valid in the Hanafi School of Thought. (Raddul Muhtar p.157 v.4)
However, to conduct the marriage in secret is against the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam.
Saaidah Aaisha Radiallahu Anha narrates the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi wasalam has said, “Publicize the marriage. Do it in a mosque and play the duff.” (Mishkaatul Masaabeeh p.272)
To publicize a marriage means that it should be performed in public among relatives and friends. And a noble way of declaring the marriage is to do it in the mosque after the Jumma prayer where everyone can witness it. (Mazaahirul Haqq p.49 v.4)
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
