What is the ruling on what is called "friend marriage," which is well-known in foreign countries?

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, what is the ruling on what is called "friend marriage," which is well-known in foreign countries?

The Shaykh:
Marriage of what?

The questioner:
Friend.

The Shaykh:
By Allah, I do not know what "friend" is, nor do I know the Shari'ah marriage. Yes.

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success.

The Shaykh:
And explain to us what "friend" is.

The questioner:
He says it involves only witnesses, and it is without the announcement of the marriage.

The Shaykh:
I do not know, by Allah. Yes.

The questioner:
We say, Honorable Shaykh.

The Shaykh:
They spoke about it in the newspapers, and some of those who claim to be scholars issued a ruling on it. I do not know about it; it needs verification. Yes.

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, the compiler (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned it.

The Shaykh:
The denial: they criticized those who issued rulings on it. I did not find it to be of any importance. Yes. Because it is among the rumors in the newspapers. The newspapers contain many rumors and commotion. Yes.