Qatar is quite strict when it comes to marriage. Since the country follows the Sharia law, citizens and expatriates must abide by the rules related to life events. That means in the case of marriage, it is imperative for Muslims to use Islamic guideline-controlled sites, like Noble Marriage.
Apart from that, there are other requirements for Muslim marriage in Qatar. This guide is here to give a perspicuous explanation for a successful marriage.
Requirements for Getting Married as a Muslim in Qatar
Muslim marriages in Qatar take place at a Sharia court. Both Qatari and non-Qatari Muslims are required to follow a set of rules for marriage. Below are the requirements on how to get married in Qatar:
1. Obtain a Marriage License
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The first thing you need to do is obtain a marriage license from the Ministry of Justice. A marriage license is a document that authorizes a couple to marry. To obtain a marriage license, you’ll need to fill out an application and pay a fee.
Alongside that, both you and your future spouse will need to show your original passports, residence permits, and a duplicate of your marriage contract.
Additionally, Muslim expats residing in Qatar will need to acquire a Certificate of No Objection from their embassy or consulate.
Once everything has been provided, you’ll be given a date for the marriage ceremony.
2. Prepare the Marriage Contract
The next step is to prepare the marriage contract. It is a formal agreement stating the responsibilities to be carried out by each party after marriage. It also states the dowry or mahr to be paid to the bride by the groom. The dowry can be in the form of money, jewelry, or other valuable asset.
The contract must be signed in the presence of the groom, the father of the bride, and two male witnesses of the bride. The father’s permission is required for the marriage to take place. If the bride’s father is deceased, then her legal guardian must participate instead.
3. Perform the Marriage Ceremony
The wedding ceremony or Nikah is typically held at the mosque or at the couple’s home. It is a simple ceremony where Quran recitations, exchange of rings, and signage of the marriage contract take place. In other words, the marriage becomes officialized.
Both the bride and the groom’s witnesses must be present in the ceremony. Family members, friends, and relatives may participate as well. The aspect that matters the most is the consent given by the bride and the groom. They must willingly agree to their marriage by saying “I accept” three times.
If the ceremony is held at the mosque, then the Imam is usually responsible for carrying it out. Also, male and female guests are likely to be segregated during the ceremony. If that happens, then the father or wali of the bride can accept the contract on behalf of her.
4. Obtain a Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, you can obtain a marriage certificate from the Ministry of Justice. The certificate will be written in Arabic, but it can be translated into English if necessary.
Documentation Needed for Muslim Marriage in Qatar
Muslims wanting to get married in Qatar must prepare the following documentation beforehand:
- Passport
- Passport-size photos
- Birth certificate
- Death certificate of the woman’s deceased first husband (if applicable; not required in the case of men since they can have up to four wives)
- Divorce papers if the woman is a divorcee
- Residence permit
- Results of genetic testing
- Marriage license
- Marriage contract
- Certificate of attendance at pre-marriage counseling sessions
- Notice of marriage 21 days prior to the ceremony
Islamic Marriage Requirements in Qatar
Qatar is a conservative country that follows Sharia law. To be eligible for marriage, it is necessary you follow the Muslim marriage laws in Qatar:
- Qatar only permits marriage between Muslims and between non-Muslims. Although some countries allow marriage between a Muslim man and a non-Muslim woman (given that she is from the People of the Book), it is strictly prohibited in Qatar.
- If a Muslim woman wants to marry a non-Muslim man, the latter will need to convert. Otherwise, it is forbidden in Qatar.
- Dating, living together, and having physical intimacy before marriage are strictly prohibited in Qatar.
- A potential couple is not allowed to meet without the presence of a chaperone.
- Muslims are required to use halal matrimonial sites, such as Noble Marriage to search for their spouse. A righteous partner is all they need to gain eternal happiness.
- In Qatar, the minimum legal age for marriage for girls is 16 years, and for boys, 18 years. Girls prior to the legal age can still be married off in the presence of their guardian and two male witnesses.
- Permission from a Muslim woman’s guardian (wali) is required for marriage. The wali is usually her father. After marriage, the guardianship is transferred to her husband.
- A Qatari Muslim man can marry a non-Qatari Muslim woman by getting permission for the ceremony from the Marriage Committee.
- Muslim men are permitted to have up to four wives as long as they can provide for them equally.
- The groom must grant a dowry or “mahr” to the bride. The dowry can be in the form of money or a valuable asset. Negotiations regarding dowry must take place between the families of the bride and the groom.
- The bride and the groom must express their consent for marriage in the presence of witnesses. Also, their marriage should be made public.
FAQ
Can a Non Qatari Marry a Qatari?
A Qatari and a non-Qatari can get married as long as both of them are Muslims. For the marriage to take place, they will need to get permission from the Marriage Committee.
However, citizens of certain categories, such as ministers and public bodies are required to marry citizens of the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC). The GCC consists of six Middle Eastern countries- the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
How Can a Muslim Get Married in Qatar?
A Muslim can get married to another Muslim at the Sharia Court in Qatar. The court doesn’t allow marriage between a Muslim and a non-Muslim, although Sharia courts in other countries do.
To obtain a marriage license, Muslims will require some documents, such as a passport and residence permit. If a non-Qatari Muslim wants to marry in Qatar, they will also need to acquire permission from their sponsor.
Islamic marriage cannot take place until the bride’s guardian gets full consent from her. And for the marriage to become officialized, both the bride and the groom should give their consent in front of witnesses.
Can Tourists Get Married in Qatar?
Tourists can get married in Qatar without citizenship or a residence permit. They will need to do medical screening before marriage. And on the wedding day, they are required to attend the ceremony in person and give consent in front of witnesses.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve fulfilled the requirements for Muslim marriage in Qatar, you’re ready to start an exciting new journey with your spouse. The process might have required some effort, but the fact that you’re happily married can be reassuring to your well-wishers.
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