Conditions for an Islamic Marriage (Nikkah): What Do You Need?
Short answer. An Islamic marriage begins with the nikkah (also written nikah). That's the contract through which you marry Islamically. Here's what you need: the bride says yes, the groom says yes, there are two witnesses and the bride's wali is present. Most scholars say the wali is required.
Want the basics first? Read: What is a nikkah?
The bride says yes
The bride chooses freely. In Sahih al-Bukhari 5136, the Prophet (peace be upon him) says that a woman must always be asked for her consent. Has she never been married before? Then her silence also counts as a yes.
Offer and acceptance: ijab and qabul
This is the heart of the nikkah. The bride's wali makes the offer (ijab). For example: "I give my daughter to you." The groom answers: "I accept." That's the qabul. Two witnesses hear this.
It doesn't need to be on paper. An imam isn't required, but he can help make sure nothing is forgotten.
The wali
The wali is the bride's guardian. Usually this is her father. A hadith says: "There is no marriage without a wali" (Sunan Abi Dawud 2085). Most scholars therefore say the wali is required. One school of law, the Hanafi school, views this differently: there, an adult woman may marry herself as long as there are witnesses.
Is the father not available? Then other men from the family step in. The wali is an adult, sound of mind, Muslim and of good character.
Two witnesses
A hadith says: "There is no marriage without witnesses." The two witnesses hear the offer and the acceptance. Ask the imam who is allowed to be a witness.
And the mahr?
The mahr is a gift from the man to the woman. It belongs to the marriage. Is the mahr not mentioned? Then according to most scholars the nikkah is still valid. She then has the right to a fitting mahr. Everything about the mahr: What is the mahr in Islam?
What do you arrange beforehand?
- Choose the wali and the two witnesses.
- Discuss the mahr and write down the agreement.
- Ask an imam to help.
- In the Netherlands, marry under the law first. Read: Islamic marriage in the Netherlands
Capture your nikkah beautifully
Example from the collection: Zara's BlessingA nikkah certificate with your names and date is a beautiful keepsake of the day. It isn't an official record.
Browse nikkah certificatesFrequently asked questions
Is a nikkah without a wali valid?
According to most scholars, no. One school of law, the Hanafi school, views this differently. Not sure? Ask a trustworthy imam.
Does there need to be an imam?
No, that isn't required for validity. You do need the offer, acceptance, wali and two witnesses. An imam can help.
Does the mahr need to be mentioned?
No. According to most scholars, the nikkah is also valid without the mahr in the contract. The bride then has the right to a fitting mahr.
Does a nikkah also count under Dutch law?
No. Under the law you marry at the registry office (gemeente). Do that first.
Ready to record your nikkah?
Browse the certificates with your names and date.
Sources: Islam Q&A, answer 813, 254835, 2127 and 111127; Sahih al-Bukhari 5136; Sunan Abi Dawud 2085. Scholars do not agree on every detail. This is an explanation in plain language. It is not a fatwa and not legal advice.