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Q. Party A wishes to marry Party B. However, they reside in different countries. If they have a virtual Nikah over video call will this be valid? (Question published as received) A. It is a condition for the Nikah to be valid that both parties and/or their representatives, as well as the witnesses, be present at the meeting in which the Nikah is officiated. Hence, at the place where the Nikah is being conducted, representation from both parties must be present. If only one party is present and the other party is participating in the proceedings over a video call, this will not fulfil the requirement for a valid Nikah. It should be noted that the absent party can appoint a representative to represent them at the Nikah meeting. This will fulfil the requirement for the Nikah to be valid. (Shaami Vol. 3 pg. 21) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Mufti Moosa Salie (The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)