Is the marriage contract of a young man to a girl valid when her guardian was her maternal grandfather, and her full brother was present, while her father was absent? If it is not valid, how can it be rectified? And are they sinful for what transpired between them as a married couple?

The validity of the contract cannot be determined, and reference must be made to the Sharia court or scholars in this regard. As for the general Sharia rulings related to the question, they are:

- A woman's marriage without a guardian (wali) is invalid according to the majority of scholars.

- None of the agnates (asabat) have guardianship if the father is present.

- Non-agnates, such as the maternal grandfather, have no guardianship.

- The father's travel does not negate his guardianship; he can delegate someone to perform the marriage.