A High Court judge has been asked to decide whether an estranged couple who took part in an Islamic wedding ceremony in a London restaurant are married under English law.
Solicitor Nasreen Akhter says her 1998 "Islamic faith marriage" to Mohammed Shabaz Khan constitutes a "valid marriage" and wants a divorce.
Mr Khan, who was involved in a property business, disagrees and wants to stop Ms Akhter staging any fight over money in a London court. Lawyers say the case could have implications.
Mr Justice Williams is analysing evidence and legal argument at a trial in the Family Division of the High Court in London. He examined preliminary issues at a hearing in February.
The judge heard that the couple, who have a Pakistani background, had lived in London, Birmingham and Dubai. They had taken part in a "nikah" ceremony at a restaurant in Southall , nearly 20 years ago.
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Mrs Akhter says the nikah ceremony was conducted by an Imam before about 150 guests. She says Mr Khan became her "husband" and he had considered her his "wife".
Mr Khan wants to block Mrs Akhter's divorce application on the basis that they are "not legally married" under English law.says they are married "under Sharia law only".
