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Fiqh Rulings Concerning the Marriage


3196 Al-Hedaya Vol. I (Hanafi Manual) [Must be contracted in the presence of witnesses.] MARRIAGE, where both the parties are Muslims, cannot be contracted but in the presence of two male witnesses, or of one man and two women, who are sane, adult, and Muslims, whether they be of established integrity of character or otherwise, or may ever have suffered punishment as slanderers. The compiler of this work observes that evidence is an essential condition of marriage, the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam having declared "no marriage is good without evidence;" and this precept is a proof against Malik, who maintains that in marriage notoriety only is a condition, and not positive evidence.
Shafi Manual Sunnah aspects of the engagement is  1- to intend by ones marriage to fulfill the Sunnah and protect one's religion,  since one is only rewarded for it if one intends some form of obedience to Allah, such as remaining chaste or having a pious son; 2- for the marriage contract to be made in a mosque 3- and for it to take place on Jumah (Friday), at the first  of the day, and in the month of Shawaal. (p.511) (Allah's Messenger sallallahu alayhe wa sallam contracted marriage with me in Shawwal and took me to his house as a bride during Shawwal. And who among the wives of Allah's Messenger sallallahu alayhe wa sallam was dearer to him than I. Muslim)
Sunnah of the bride's marriage payment (mahr) (1) to name to name the amount of the marriage payment in the marriage agreement (to prevent discord).
Concerning the Marriage Payment (mahr)
The bride possesses the marriage payment when it has been expressly stipulated and she may dispose of it when she accepts it, and her ownership of it is finalized when the husband has sexual intercourse with her (after which none of it is refundable), or when one of them dies before they have had inter course.  If payable immediately, the bride may refuse to have sexual intercourse until her husband gives her the marriage payment, though if she allows him to have intercourse with her before she accepts the amount, she may no longer refuse to have intercourse (N: but may demand the amount)  When a husband proves financially unable to give his wife the marriage payment (if it has not been deferred) before the first time they have sexual intercourse, then the bride may annul the marriage, though if he proves unable afterwards, she may not.
The wedding feast is a Sunnah (whose time never expires, though it is recommended to be after intercourse).  The Sunnah is for the meal to consist of a sheep or goat, though it is permissible to serve whatever food is readily available
Relations between A Husband and Wives
It is obligatory for both husband and wife to treat each other well. Allah Most High says "Women deserve the like of what they are obliged to give, in kindness (2:228)



Excellent  Social Conduct Talks regarding how to the treat wife kindly by Menk