Abstract
Zawaj or Nikah al-misyar is defined as a marriage contract between a Muslim man and a woman, in which the woman willingly waives some of the rights she would have in a normal traditional marriage, such as dowry, feeding, in-house presence etc. Misyar marriage is often kept secret and not displayed publicly. Most misyar brides don’t change their residences but pursue marriage on a visitation basis. Religious scholars (Jurists) have different opinions about this kind of marriage. Most of them are of the view that since conditions, including the presence of guardians and witnesses, are in place within their framework, it is therefore legal, while some others declare it as illicit. They opine that Misyar marriages are merely for a man's pleasure, avoiding any responsibilities that come with real marriage. The fact that misyar marriages are done in secret ought to give people a clue that there is something seriously and morally wrong with this type of arrangement. Misyar marriage sometimes takes place when, for example, there are many women who, as they get older, find it increasingly difficult to marry. She therefore considers that marrying a husband under misyar terms is better than remaining unmarried forever. This paper presents a critical review of arguments of both the parties and affirms the validity of misyar marriage.