How to Perform Nikah
The nikah is the traditional
Islamic marriage ceremony. The nikah has 3 main components: a willing couple,
witnesses, and a mahr, or gift that the groom gives to the bride. Once you have
these things in order and find an imam to perform the ceremony, you will be
well on your way to having a successful nikah.
Part 1
Planning the Ceremony
Nikah Step 1
Agree to get married. The
cornerstone of a nikah is a mutual agreement between two people to get married.
Nikah Step 2
Find an imam to perform the
ceremony. If you attend a mosque regularly, simply ask one of the imams there
to perform nikah for you.
Nikah Step 3
Find a space to hold the
ceremony, preferably a mosque. Nikah can technically be held anywhere, so you
can arrange to have the ceremony in your home, a banquet hall, or any other
space you’d like. If you want to be traditional, though, hold the ceremony in a
mosque.
Nikah Step 4
Agree on a mahr. Mahr is the
traditional gift that the groom gives to the bride when entering into marriage.
The gift is traditionally a sum of money, but it can also be property or
objects. It is meant to be a symbol of the groom’s commitment. There is no
minimum or maximum mahr, and it is usually determined based on the finances of
the groom.
Nikah Step 5
Find at least 2 adult muslims to
witness the ceremony. Traditionally, these 2 witnesses need to be men. Ask the
imam performing the nikah what their requirements are for witnesses. Some imams
may allow women to serve as official witnesses. These witnesses are usually
family members or close friends.[10]
If you are unable to find muslim
witnesses, ask your imam if it would be possible to have non-Muslims witness
your nikah. Some imams may be more flexible than others.
Nikah Step 6
Ensure that the bride has a
guardian present if you want to be traditional. Some traditional mosques
require that the bride’s father, brother, or other male guardian be present to
give her away to the groom.
Nikah Step 7
Obtain an official marriage
license from your local government. Contact your local government or city hall
to learn about this process in your area. A marriage license will make your
marriage legal and recognized by civil authorities.
Part 2
Holding the Nikah
Holding the Nikah 1
Have the imam give a marriage
sermon if you want to follow tradition. There are traditional sermons on
marriage that imams often give during nikah.
Holding the Nikah 2
Have a traditional proposal and
acceptance if desired. Traditionally, the imam has the father ask the groom if
he will accept his daughter in marriage. Tell your imam if you would like to do
this during your nikah.
Holding the Nikah 3
Sign the Nikah contract in front
of your witnesses. This will make the union official. Sign it in front of just
your 2 official witnesses, or in front of all of your guests.
Holding the Nikah 4
Hold a walima or marriage banquet
if desired. This generally follows the nikah and gives the new couple a chance
to celebrate their nikah with their guests and members of the community.
[via wikihow]
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