Question

How many types of marriage are there in Muslim community?

Hint:

A good answer shows knowledge of the different schools of Islamic law by mentioning both the three-fold classification of validity (Sunni) and the two-fold classification of duration (Shia).

Answer 1

The types of marriage in Muslim community can be classified in different ways. The two most common classifications are:

Based on Legal Validity (mainly in Sunni Law): Marriages are classified into three types depending on their adherence to legal requirements:
Sahih (Valid): A marriage that fulfills all the legal conditions and is fully valid.

Batil (Void): A marriage that is unlawful from the beginning (e.g., marrying a close relative) and has no legal effect.

Fasid (Irregular): A marriage that has some procedural flaw (e.g., lack of witnesses) but is not completely void. The irregularity can be removed to make it valid.

Based on Duration (mainly in Shia Law): Marriages are classified into two types:
Nikah (Permanent Marriage): A marriage intended to be for life.

Mutah (Temporary Marriage): A marriage for a fixed, pre-determined period of time, which dissolves automatically at the end of the term.