Q: People in our village are confused with regard to concluding the marriage contract in Masjids (mosques); they do not know whether it is a Sunnah or a Bid`ah (innovation in religion). The reason behind this confusion is the following Hadith, Announce the contract of marriage, and make it in the mosque, and declare it using the Duff (a tambourine-like instrument without bells). What is the degree of authenticity of this Hadith, especially this part of it: and make it in the mosque. Is concluding the marriage contract in a Masjid a Sunnah or Bid`ah? We are interested to know the titles of books showing the Sanads (chains of narrators) of this Hadith as well as the books of Hadith where it is reported.I read in the book entitled "Fiqh Al-Sunnah" that Al-Tirmidhy graded this Hadith as Hasan (a Hadith whose chain of narration contains a narrator with weak exactitude, but is free from eccentricity or blemish). We hope that you will comment on this to explain things for people because they conclude marriage contracts in Masjids and regard it a commendable act and a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).

A: First: This Hadith is related by Al-Tirmidhy with his Sanad. He said, (Part No. 18; Page No. 113)  Ahmad ibn Mani` told him that Yazid ibn Harun told him that `Isa ibn Maymun Al-Ansary reported on the authority of Al-Qasim ibn Muhammad from `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, Announce the contract of marriage, and make it in the mosque, and declare it using the Duff (a tambourine-like instrument without bells). Al-Tirmidhy commented on this Hadith saying, "It is a Hadith Hasan Gharib (a good Hadith that is strange to come from this chain of narration) in this concern." `Isa ibn Maymun Al-Ansary is a weak narrator of Hadiths while `Isa ibn Maymun who reported exegesis from Ibn Abu Najih is a reliable narrator. This Hadith is also related by Al-Bayhaqy but his Sanad contains Khalid ibn Ilyas whose narrations are rejected. Second: The Shari`ah encourages announcing marriage contracts. With regard to concluding marriage contracts in Masjids, it is not an act of Sunnah and the mentioned Hadith is not evidence in this regard. In fact it is a weak Hadith; because `Isa ibn Maymun Al-Ansary and Khalid ibn Ilyas are weak narrators. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.