Omar Abdullah-Nidhi Razdan Marriage Declared ‘Unlawful’ by Muslim Cleric Under Sharia
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
All India Muslim Jamaat president Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi has declared Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s marriage to journalist Nidhi Razdan unlawful under his interpretation of Islamic principles, triggering a debate over religious beliefs and personal freedom.
The remarks came two days after Abdullah announced his marriage to Razdan on October 31, 2026. Razvi argued that the marriage did not meet the conditions he believes Islamic law prescribes for a valid nikah.
Why Cleric Declared the Marriage Unlawful
Razvi said both individuals must be Muslim for a marriage to be recognised as lawful under his interpretation of Sharia. While Abdullah is Muslim, the cleric claimed Razdan does not follow Islam and described their marriage as impermissible on religious grounds.
He argued that Abdullah should have ensured Razdan converted to Islam before their nikah. According to Razvi, the marriage could have been considered permissible under his interpretation of Islamic principles if she had embraced Islam and the couple had married in accordance with Islamic customs and traditions.
"If either one of them is not Muslim, the marriage cannot be considered lawful," the cleric said.
He reiterated that the absence of the conversion he considers necessary made the union najaayaz, or unlawful, under his interpretation of Islamic principles.
Religious Ruling and Legal Validity
Razvi's remarks reflect his interpretation of Islamic religious principles and do not, by themselves, determine the marriage's legal status in India.
The legal validity of a marriage depends on the applicable marriage law and the circumstances in which the union was solemnised. A religious declaration or fatwa does not automatically invalidate a marriage under Indian law.
The controversy has brought questions surrounding religious requirements, individual choice and the distinction between religious rulings and civil law into focus following the couple's announcement.
