Getting Married in Sharjah
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country with a diverse population and laws. Like other seven emirates, Emirate of Sharjah has a rich and vibrant culture too, with multi-traditional food and people. To get married in Sharjah, it is important to understand the laws and legal compliance for marriage in Sharjah. Emirate of Sharjah strictly follows Sharia Law mostly, though the laws for non-Muslims are also enforced.
Marriage Laws in Sharjah
Personal Status governs the marriage laws in Sharjah. They are based on Sharia law. Sharia laws are the rules made and recommended by Islam. However, Islamic laws are applied to Muslims only. The non-Muslims are allowed to marry under civil marriage laws and respective of their embassies’ legal system. The marriage contract is known as ‘Nikkah’ in Islamic principles. It is an official contract that validates the marriage in Islam. However, the non-Muslims can apply procedures that their respective embassies tell them. The non-residents can also plan a destination wedding in any of the emirates. For a better understanding you can contact our Sharjah Lawyers.
Requirements for Muslims to Get Married in Sharjah
The UAE is an Islamic country with a diverse population. Therefore, Muslims comfortably live and work in the UAE. If you are planning to get married in Sharjah as a Muslim, you must know the Islamic laws for marriage and fulfil those requirements before tying the knot. The most important thing is to be 18 or above for getting married. The consent from the bride and her guardian is important to validate the marriage.
Emiratis For Pre-Marital Medical Tests
However, Emiratis must undergo medical tests to ensure that neither spouse has hereditary diseases. Witnesses play an important role in authenticating the marriage. Two male Muslims should be the witnesses in an Islamic marriage. Learn more about this test.
Documents Required for a Muslim Marriage
If you are a resident of the UAE, you must submit your Emirates ID, passport, residency visa, and pre-marital medical certificate. If you are divorced or your spouse is no longer alive, you must share documents to prove your marital Status.
Process of Getting Married in Sharia Court
The marriage procedure for a Muslim couple is very simple because everyone knows about the UAE marriage laws. If the couple is getting married in Sharjah, they must apply to the Sharjah Sharia court. A court session proceeded, and both signed the marriage contract (Nikkah) with the judge and two male witnesses. However, the marriage contract has a clause for dowry, known as ‘Mahr’ in Islam. It is provided by the man to his wife as a security for life. After going through all those steps, a marriage certificate can be obtained from the court.
Marriages in Sharjah for Non-Muslims
If you are a non-Muslim in Sharjah and want to get married, then you will follow the laws of marriage that your embassy tells you about. There are a few similar requirements to the Muslim marriage, but there are some additional points to add in a non-Muslim marriage. Though, the non-Muslims do not need any witness other than the presence of the judge. However, they must ensure they are not getting married to their first cousin or any relative in the first decree.
Running pre-marital tests is crucial for couples in the UAE, regardless of their religious values. These medical tests ensure health compatibility between the couple.
Post-Marriage Procedure
Once the marriage is conducted, the couple should register their marriage certificate to make it official. They must submit the certificate to the UAE Ministry of Justice and then further attest it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for international use. If the marriage contract is not in your country’s language, you should get it translated.
Legal And Cultural Considerations
Marriage in Sharjah is not only a legal process but also a crucial event for the man and the woman. To ensure a smooth wedding ceremony, the couple must respect the cultures of both parties. However, the dress code shall be modest, and if it is a Muslim wedding, it should be conducted according to Islamic Principles. The couple should have the legal documentation and know the implications of marriage in the UAE.
Should the Couple Hire a Marriage Consultant?
Before tying the knot in Sharjah, the couple should consult with a legal expert to ensure that they are following the marriage ceremony according to the civil marriage laws and Islamic marriage principles. If you are a non-resident and having a destination wedding in Sharjah, consult a lawyer to assist you with the marriage ceremony.
How Can You Find a Good Marriage Consultant?
To get a good marriage consultant in the UAE, you should research online while sitting in another country. There are websites and client reviews online. Those reviews and comments give you an idea about how the lawyer works and if they are professional. If you do not believe in online legal services, you must talk to the bar associations in the UAE. They can help you in finding good legal experts for your case. Nonetheless, marriage courts always help you with the marriage process. Ask The Law Sharjah are the good lawyers in Sharjah.