I want to marry a second wife, but without the knowledge of my family and relatives. Is this marriage permissible?

Question:
May Allah reward you. This questioner says: I am a married man, and I want to marry another woman, and I want this other marriage to be brief and secret, attended only by the witnesses and two of my colleagues who will testify to the marriage contract. My family and relatives know nothing about it. Is this marriage permissible, and what do you advise him?

Answer:
If the witnesses are present, or if there is some form of announcement, then the contract is valid. The contract is valid if two witnesses are present for this contract, for then the announcement has taken place, and it is a valid marriage. However, the best and most complete course is to make a full announcement, to beat the hand drum, and to hold a wedding feast. This is the full announcement of the marriage. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: with the hand drum.