Marriage in Islam has its conditions and requirements which, if fulfilled, the marriage becomes valid and the couples becomes a husband and wife in the eyes of the Islamic law. These requirements have to be met and must not be confused with common practices of people which usually differ from one community to the other.
According to the Islamic law the man should propose and seek the consent of the woman’s guardian (wali) who in turn should seek the consent of the woman. Then the marriage contract has to be in the presence of two just witnesses together with the husband and the wali. The two parties should also agree on the mahr (dowry) and the marriage should be publicized.
How should it be publicized? This differs from one community to the other. Islam sets no rules in this regard. The only rule to be generally observed is to abide by the Islamic teachings and injunctions when holding such ceremonies.