muslim marriage

[suzie1]

my friend is a muslim girl but is very westernised...and born and bred in britian. she got married 2 years ago, but didnt do a civil registry marriage, instead she got married the muslim way..which they call Nikah. is this marriage valid in this country. shehas been thrown out of the marital home after he just decided he wants to live alone, and doesnt love her anymore, and she is pregnant with his baby and she has nothing, no money, or home, the marital home is on his name, is she entitled to anything from him, as his wife, she is staying with her mum...........any family lawyers out there that can tell me

[hc4361]

She is not legally married but does have rights. Tell her to go to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

[Ramsbottom]

agreed she does have rights. They were living together 'as husband and wife' for two years (even if though weren't married). Additionally, the husband has to pay some maintenance for the child.

Also, I'm not certain but I think that some muslim 'contracts' are enforcable in the UK. Nikah may be a type of 'contract' and thus he may owe her something under this (engagements used to be binding contracts under UK law and similar principles may apply here, but I'm not sure).