Muslim Marriage in Abu Dhabi: Easy Steps for a Muslim Civil Marriage Certificate 2024
Many Muslim couples face challenges when trying to obtain both legal recognition and religious approval for their marriage, as most countries do not accept Islamic marriages as legally binding.
This can limit their access to essential couple benefits, such as visa sponsorship, inheritance rights, and social security, forcing them to navigate complex legal and religious processes.
In this blog, we will explore how Easy Wedding can provide a solution by guiding you through the process of combining Muslim civil marriage with Nikkah to ensure both legal and religious recognition.
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Civil Marriage For Muslims
Dubai has recently revised its marriage laws to allow foreign Muslims to conduct Muslim civil marriages. Couples can now achieve legal recognition of their union by opting for a court marriage in Abu Dhabi.
A Muslim civil marriage offers legal safeguards for both partners, covering property division, alimony, and child custody. It also grants couples access to inheritance rights, social security benefits, and the ability to sponsor each other for visas and residency.
Muslims living in the UAE who wish to pursue a Muslim civil marriage can do so effortlessly. In Abu Dhabi, a court attestation officer handles the registration and finalization of civil marriages for both residents and visitors in the UAE.
Civil Marriage Eligibility
Federal Law No. (41) of 2022 on Civil Personal Status regulates marriage and family matters. According to Article 5, the conditions for a civil marriage include:
- Both parties must be at least 21 years old.
- The couple must not have any familial relationship.
- In Dubai, at least one party needs to be a resident.
- Each person must give clear consent to the marriage.
- Proof of single status must be provided by both individuals.
- A disclosure form must be signed by the couple
What Are the Requirements for a Muslim Civil Court Marriage?
Marrying in a civil court is straightforward. You’ll need the following:
- ID
- Passport
- Certificate of previous marriage annulment or divorce
- Two male witnesses
A Comparison of Civil and Shariah Marriages in Abu Dhabi
| Aspect | Civil Marriage | Shariah Marriage |
| Legal Framework | Governed by Federal Law No. (41) of 2022 on Civil Personal Status. | Governed by Islamic Sharia law. |
| Guardian (Wali) Approval | Not needed | Required for the bride. |
| Medical Test | Not required | Required for both individuals. |
| Interreligious Marriage | Permitted with conditions | Generally restricted; typically same religion. |
| Marriage Registration | Registered with Dubai Courts or other authorities. | Registered with Islamic courts. |
| Application Process | Requires form submission to the Authentication Judge. | Involves traditional religious practices. |
| Non-Residents Marriage | Permitted with certain conditions | Often restricted; may require 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 both Arabic and English | Typically in Arabic. |
| Legal Rights and Responsibilities | Defined by UAE civil law, providing legal rights and protections. | Defined by Islamic law, with specific duties and rights. |
Why Choose Muslim Civil Marriage?
While Sharia law provides a foundation for marriage in the UAE, pursuing a Muslim civil marriage afterward offers significant advantages. A Muslim civil marriage ensures global legal recognition, which is crucial for international matters.
It simplifies administrative procedures, bypassing the need for complex premarital screenings and streamlining the application process for various legal documents. To make it easier, visit Easy Wedding.
Steps for Combining Muslim Civil Marriage
To combine a Nikkah with a civil marriage certificate in the UAE, follow these steps.
Step 1
Complete your Nikkah ceremony and obtain MOFA attestation for your certificate in the UAE.
Step 2
Gather all necessary documents including your passport, ID, and divorce or annulment certificate.
Step 3
Schedule a date for your civil court wedding.
Step 4
Attend the court on your scheduled date to complete the civil marriage and receive your marriage certificate.
Streamline Your Abu Dhabi Marriage Now!
Looking to make your Abu Dhabi wedding process hassle-free? Opt for a Muslim civil marriage for a smooth and simple alternative to traditional Shariah procedures. At Easy Wedding, we offer streamlined packages designed to make your nuptials effortless.
Contact us today to explore our Shariah and Nikkah packages and turn your wedding dreams into reality with ease and joy!
FAQs
Can a Muslim marry a non-Muslim in the UAE?
Yes, Muslim men in the UAE are allowed to marry women from other Abrahamic faiths, such as Christianity or Judaism. However, Muslim women traditionally cannot marry non-Muslim men unless the man converts to Islam. Recently, new legal changes have provided an option for Muslim women to marry non-Muslim men through civil court procedures, offering a non-religious alternative.
Do you need to be a resident of the UAE to get married?
No, residency is not required to get married in the UAE. Tourists can also marry there by completing a marriage application and submitting relevant documents, including their passport and proof of current status. These documents undergo review and approval before the marriage is formalized.
Is civil marriage the same as Nikah?
No, civil marriage and Nikah are different. Nikah is a religious marriage conducted according to Islamic law, recognized in Islamic countries like the UAE. In contrast, civil marriage is overseen by the government and follows secular procedures, making it suitable for couples who prefer a non-religious or alternative option.
