is permissible, because the author says, “or falls into his lap,” and does not say, “or he leans his lap toward it.”
If, when it falls into his lap, he shakes it off, then it belongs to whoever takes it, since shaking it off indicates that he does not accept it. A gift only becomes binding through acceptance and possession.
If someone brings a sheet and enlists others to help him, saying, “Let us spread the sheet over the people so that everything falls onto it,” this is not permissible, because he seeks to stake out a claim to it, like someone who reserves a place in the mosque.
His statement, “It is recommended to publicize the marriage”: that is, to make it known. It is derived from openness, the opposite of secrecy. It is recommended to publicize it, because the Prophet ﷺ said, “Publicize the marriage.” (1) He thus instructed that it be made public. It also serves to display this virtue—namely, marriage—for marriage is among the ways of the Messengers. The Prophet ﷺ said of himself that he marries women, (2) and Allah Almighty says:
“And We certainly sent messengers before you, and gave them spouses and offspring.” [al-Ra‘d 13:38]
Whatever is of this nature ought to be publicized.
Moreover, publicizing it distinguishes fornication from marriage, because fornication—may Allah protect us—is adultery, and those who commit it do so in secret. Marriage, on the other hand, is recommended to be publicized and openly proclaimed.