Rizky Febian and Mahalini’s solemnisation invalid: Religious court

(ANN/THE STAR) – The South Jakarta Religious Court in Indonesia has rejected the marriage validation application of singers Rizky Febian and Mahalini, citing non-compliance with the fundamental requirements of an Islamic marriage.

The couple has been advised to remarry to ensure their union is valid according to Islamic law and the principles of ijab and kabul.

A representative from the religious office clarified that the marriage did not meet one of the essential conditions (rukun nikah), specifically regarding the appointment of a valid wali (guardian).

“To ensure the marriage is valid from both a religious and legal standpoint, they are advised to remarry following the proper rules and conditions of ijab and kabul,” the representative said.

The issue arose because Mahalini, a Muslim convert (mualaf), appointed an ustaz as her wali, which contravenes Islamic marriage requirements.

“After Mahalini converted to Islam, her biological father could not serve as her wali because he is not a Muslim. During the marriage proceedings, an ustaz officiated the marriage as her wali. However, the ustaz does not meet the criteria to act as a wali—he is neither a wali nasab (a guardian by blood relation) nor a wali hakim (a court-appointed guardian), as required under Islamic law,” the representative explained.

Mahalini should have referred the matter to the religious office to have a wali hakim appointed for her, the court noted.

It was also revealed that Rizky and Mahalini’s marriage, which took place on May 5 at Hotel Raffles in Jakarta, had not been officially registered.

On October 31, the South Jakarta Syariah Court disclosed that the couple had only submitted their marriage validation application on October 10, several months after their wedding.

The court’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to religious and legal guidelines in Islamic marriages, especially for interfaith unions or cases involving converts.