Explanation:

Contracting of marriage must be done in the presence of proper and competent witnesses. Under the Shia law, presence of witness is not essential and marriage without witnesses is considered as valid. Marriage is contracted by the parties themselves (if major) or by their guardians itself. Under Sunni law, presence of witness is essential else the marriage would be irregular. At least two male or one male and two female witnesses should be present and the witness should be a major, of sound mind and a Muslim.