Marriage Contract with a Known Fornicator

Question

Is it permissible to contract marriage with a woman known for fornication if she is a widow from fornication? [AR_ID:4358]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may God protect him):

A virgin is defined as one who has not lost her hymen through a valid legal contract. It is obligatory to obtain the permission of her guardian, even if she is known for fornication, as a precaution.

Source: Special Inquiry.

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Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may God protect him):

A virgin is one whose husband has not had intercourse with her. If a woman was married and her husband died or divorced her before consummation, she is considered a virgin. Similarly, if she lost her hymen due to something other than intercourse, such as a fall, she is also considered a virgin. However, if she lost it due to fornication or through questionable intercourse, she is treated as a virgin, and it is not permissible to contract marriage with her without the permission of her guardian. It is also not permissible, as a precaution, even if she is independent. If she is known for fornication, it is not permissible to contract marriage with her, even with the permission of her guardian, unless she has repented, as a precaution. A widow is one who has been previously married with valid marriage and has had intercourse. It is not permissible to contract marriage with a widow known for fornication unless she has repented, as a precaution.

Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 3, No. 70 + Fiqh for Expatriates, Marriage with Non-Virgin Girls + Short Messages for Legal Inquiries - Qom Office.

May you be successful in all good.