What a Nikah is
Nikah is the marriage contract in Islam, and the short ceremony in which it is made. It is simple by design, and the larger celebrations around it, such as the mehndi, baraat and walima, come from culture and Sunnah rather than from the contract itself.
Muslim communities and schools of law differ on some details, especially the role of the guardian and how witnesses are arranged. Your imam can tell you what applies to you.
The main elements of a Nikah
- Ijab and qabul
- The offer and acceptance. Both partners freely agree to the marriage. This is the one element all schools treat as essential.
- Mahr
- A gift the groom gives to the bride, which belongs to her. It can be money, gold or something else of value, paid at the time or deferred as agreed.
- Witnesses
- Witnesses to the marriage are widely expected, commonly two. Schools differ on who may serve and exactly when witnessing must happen.
- Wali
- The bride's guardian, usually her father. Most schools treat the wali as a requirement, while the Hanafi school does not require one for an adult woman.
- Nikah nama
- The written marriage contract, signed by the couple and witnesses. It records the mahr and any conditions the couple agrees.
How the ceremony usually runs
- 01Guests gather at the mosque, home or hall. Men and women may sit separately, depending on the family and venue.
- 02The imam or officiant gives a short sermon (khutbah) on marriage, often with Quran recitation.
- 03Consent is confirmed with the bride and the groom, sometimes through her wali or a representative, and the mahr is stated.
- 04The offer and acceptance are made in front of the witnesses.
- 05The couple and witnesses sign the nikah nama.
- 06Everyone joins in dua (prayer) for the couple. Guests congratulate them, and sweets or dates are often shared.
After the Nikah: rukhsati and walima
In many South Asian families, the rukhsati is the emotional farewell when the bride leaves with her husband's family. It may happen the same day or later.
The walima is the wedding feast hosted by the groom's side, usually held once the couple are together, in the days after the Nikah or rukhsati. It is often the largest gathering and has its own invitation or section on the invitation.
What guests should know
- Dress modestly. Women may be asked to cover their hair inside a mosque, so bring a scarf.
- Remove your shoes if the Nikah is in a prayer space.
- Check whether seating is separate for men and women, and follow the family's lead.
- Non-Muslim guests are generally welcome to attend and watch respectfully.
- Saying 'Mubarak' or 'Barakallahu lakuma' to the couple is a warm way to congratulate them.
What to arrange before the day
- Book the imam or officiant, and ask what paperwork and witnesses they need.
- Agree the mahr between the couple, and any conditions for the nikah nama.
- Check the legal side. A religious Nikah alone may not be a legal marriage. In British Columbia, you need a marriage licence and a registered official, so confirm this with your imam and BC Vital Statistics.
- Send clear details of who is invited to the Nikah and who to the walima. You can send one Ivory Gate invitation website with every function, map and RSVP on it, from CA$39, one-time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Nikah take?
The ceremony is often short, commonly under an hour. The celebrations around it usually take much longer.
Does a Nikah have to be in a mosque?
No. It can be held at a mosque, a home or a hall, as long as the requirements your imam follows are met.
Is a Nikah legally binding in Canada?
Not automatically. A marriage must also meet provincial rules. In BC that means a marriage licence and a registered official, so ask your imam whether they are registered.
Who pays the mahr?
The groom gives the mahr to the bride, and it belongs to her. The couple agree the amount and whether it is paid now or later.
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