First of all, we’d like to state that in all his dealings, the Muslim should be an exemplar for others to follow. He should avoid all forms of deceit and cheating in order to be saved from Allah’s punishment in this world and in the next.
In Islam, the marriage contract is so solemn that Islamic Shari`ah lays down rules and regulations that guarantees its stability and continuity. By the same token, Islam renounces all forms of temporary marriage. Therefore, nominal or paper marriage or court marriage that is meant to obtain immigration papers, nationality or residence from another country is null and void.
In this context, two points need to be highlighted as follows:
First, this is nothing but cheating and deception and it is not allowed in Islam. Muslims are not allowed to lie to any one.
Secondly, marriage is a very sacred relationship, it should not be played with neither by having a paper marriage without the intention of marriage, nor by a paper divorce without the intention of divorce. If one is so desperate to live in the West and there is no other way possible except through marriage then one should have a real marriage, not paper marriage.
Focusing more on the issue at hand, the eminent Muslim scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, states: “Such marriage is not lawful. Nominal marriage that lacks the real sense of marriage is not permissible at all. In a symposium held at the European College in France, the attendants unanimously agreed that any marriage undertaken without any real intention of marriage is absolutely forbidden. This kind of marriage does not entail any right or duties. In Islam, the main foundation of marriage is set forth in Allah’s saying: “He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (heats).” (Ar-Rum: 21)”
Based on what is mentioned above, we advise such persons to rectify whatever wrongdoing they are intending to do. They should never go to nominal marriage to get the immigration papers. So, they should look for other legal means to get the papers without violating the rules of Shari`ah or laws of the country you are intending to travel for. A Muslim should be always a good example in all aspects of life and he should be a good ambassador of Islam. He should never deceive others to get living conditions.