Many people ask whether Online Nikah can be performed purely for Halala purposes — meaning a temporary marriage arranged only to make a previously divorced woman lawful again for her former husband. Islamic law answers this question very clearly.
What Is Halala?
Halala refers to a situation after a husband has issued three divorces (talaq). In such a case, the woman becomes unlawful for her former husband unless she genuinely marries another man, consummates that marriage, and later becomes free through divorce or death — without any pre-planning.
Qur’anic Foundation
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
“So if he divorces her, she is not lawful to him afterward until she marries another husband…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:230)
Qur’an 2:230
Prophetic Warning Against Planned Halala
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ cursed the one who performs Halala and the one for whom Halala is performed.” — Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi
This hadith makes it clear that any pre-arranged or intentional Halala marriage is strictly prohibited (haram), whether done physically or online.
Can Online Nikah Be Used Only for Halala?
No. Scholars unanimously agree that Nikah — online or in person — cannot be performed with the intention of temporary Halala. A marriage arranged solely to legalize return to a former husband is invalid and sinful.
Nikah in Islam must be entered with genuine intention of permanent marriage, not as a legal shortcut.
What Makes Halala Islamically Valid?
For a woman to lawfully remarry her former husband after triple talaq, the following must occur naturally — without planning:
- A genuine second marriage with real marital intention
- Physical consummation
- Later divorce or death of the second husband
- Completion of iddah period
If any of these steps are pre-arranged, the process becomes invalid in Shariah.
Does Online Nikah Change the Ruling?
No. Technology does not alter Islamic law. An Online Nikah carries the same rulings as in-person Nikah. If the intention is Halala, the marriage is prohibited regardless of platform.
Islamic Conditions of Any Valid Nikah
- Clear ijab and qabul
- Two Muslim witnesses
- Wali (or wali-e-hakim)
- Genuine marital intention
- Mahr agreement
- Verified identities
Conclusion: Online Nikah cannot be performed solely for Halala purposes. Planned Halala is haram according to Qur’an and Sunnah. Only a genuine second marriage — without prior intention — can make remarriage permissible after triple talaq.
For authenticated prophetic narrations:
Sunnah.com — Hadith Collections
