Quran and Hadith about marriage. What does Nikah mean and what does it take to enter into a marriage agreement in Islam? It is a strong contract or covenant (mithaqun Ghalithun) as expressed in Quran 4:21.
Mutual Agreement of Bride and Groom
Marriage (nikah) is a solemn and sacred social contract between bride and groom. This contract is a strong covenant (mithaqun ghalithun) as expressed in Quran 4:21. The marriage contract in Islam is not a sacrament. It is revocable.
Both parties mutually agree and enter into this contract. Both bride and groom have the liberty to define various terms and conditions of their liking and make them a part of this contract.
Mahr
The marriage-gift (Mahr) is a divine injunction. The giving of mahr to the bride by the groom is an essential part of the contract.
'And give the women (on marriage) their mahr as a (nikah) free gift" (Quran 4:4)
Mahr is a token commitment of the husband's responsibility and may be paid in cash, property or movable objects to the bride herself. The amount of mahr is not legally specified, however, moderation according to the existing social norm is recommended. The mahr may be paid immediately to the bride at the time of marriage, or deferred to a later date, or a combination of both. The deferred mahr however, falls due in case of death or divorce.
One matrimonial party expresses 'ijab" willing consent to enter into marriage and the other party expresses 'qubul" acceptance of the responsibility in the assembly of marriage ceremony. The contract is written and signed by the bride and the groom and their two respective witnesses. This written marriage contract ("Aqd-Nikah) is then announced publicly.
Sermon
The assembly of nikah is addressed with a marriage sermon (khutba-tun-nikah) by the Muslim officiating the marriage. In marriage societies, customarily, a state appointed Muslim judge (Qadi) officiates the nikah ceremony and keeps the record of the marriage contract. However any trust worthy practicing Muslim can conduct the nikah ceremony, as Islam does not advocate priesthood. The documents of marriage contract/certificate are filed with the mosque (masjid) and local government for record.
Prophet Muhammad (S) made it his tradition (sunnah) to have marriage sermon delivered in the assembly to solemnize the marriage. The sermon invites the bride and the groom, as well as the participating guests in the assembly to a life of piety, mutual love, kindness, and social responsibility.
The Khutbah-tun-Nikah begins with the praise of Allah. His help and guidance is sought. The Muslim confession of faith that 'There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His servant and messenger" is declared. The three Quranic verses (Quran 4:1, 3:102, 33:70-71) and one Prophetic saying (hadith) form the main text of the marriage. This hadith is:
'By Allah! Among all of you I am the most God-fearing, and among you all, I am the supermost to save myself from the wrath of Allah, yet my state is that I observe prayer and sleep too. I observe fast and suspend observing them; I marry woman also. And he who turns away from my Sunnah has no relation with me". (Bukhari)
The Muslim officiating the marriage ceremony concludes the ceremony with prayer (Dua) for bride, groom, their respective families, the local Muslim community, and the Muslim community at large (Ummah)
Marriage (nikah) is considered as an act of worship (ibadah). It is virtuous to conduct it in a Mosque keeping the ceremony simple. The marriage ceremony is a social as well as a religious activity. Islam advocates simplicity in ceremonies and celebrations.
Prophet Muhammad (S) considered simple weddings the best weddings:
'The best wedding is that upon which the least trouble and expense is bestowed". (Mishkat)
Primary Requirements
- Mutual agreement (Ijab-O-Qubul) by the bride and the groom
- Two adult and sane witnesses
- Mahr (marriage-gift) to be paid by the groom to the bride either immediately (muajjal) or deferred (muakhkhar), or a combination of both
Secondary Requirements
- Legal guardian (wakeel) representing the bride
- Written marriage contract ("Aqd-Nikah) signed by the bride and the groom and witnesses by two adult and sane witnesses
- Qadi (State appointed Muslim judge) or Ma'zoon (a responsible person officiating the marriage ceremony)
- Khutba-tun-Nikah to solemnize the marriage
The Marriage Banquet (Walima)
After the consummation of the marriage, the groom holds a banquet called a walima. The relatives, neighbors, and friends are invited in order to make them aware of the marriage. Both rich and poor of the family and community are invited to the marriage feasts.
Prophet Muhammad (S) said:
'The worst of the feasts are those marriage feasts to which the rich are invited and the poor are left out". (Mishkat)
It is recommended that Muslims attend marriage ceremonies and marriage feasts upon invitation.
Prophet Muhammad (S) said:
"...and he who refuses to accept an invitation to a marriage feast, verily disobeys Allah and His Prophet". (Ahmad & Abu Dawood)
Printed with permission: Marriage and Family in Islam by Mohammad Mazhar Hussaini
Comments
Asalamoalaikom, This article is very nice and have gave alot about nikah and how it will be but one thing that fall me in thinking is that at the end of this article there is mention the hadees: Prophet Muhammad (S) said:"...and he who refuses to accept an invitation to a marriage feast, verily disobeys Allah and His Prophet". (Ahmad & Abu Dawood) now m thinking that caught in truoble because due to our family problems we didnt went to attend uncle's marraige but also they were responsible for all those thing that happened and after that we r just family members but having no contacts with each other there r few person who not want to we come together so my Q.......? was that wether we went against ALLAh and His Prophet Mohammed (SAW) saying.... and also they start ignouring us in every ceremony so who is responsible the act taken by my family at that time was because of the worst treatment of my uncles,
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assalaamu alaikum brothers and sisters. Mashallah i finally found a site about Nikah after looking for a long time on how it should be made. I am due to have my Nikah after Ramadan inshallah and needed to see what had to be done, this site has done that for me without putting in cultural extra's shokrn to the people behind this and may Allah bless you for what you have done.
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This article is very good and educative. Marriage is very important in every muslim's life. Misconceptions on this very important subject need to be addressed. I have a question and will appreciate if you can send me the answer in my mail box above. It will also be useful to explain to others who definately need to know. My question is 'Suppose you had sexual relationship with any woman before marriage and then get children in the illegal relationship. Is it possible to repent for the sins already commited and then marry your girl friend according to the traditions of Islam? What should a man do to in this case to legalise his matrimonial relationship with his former girl friend?'. Please send me your response as soon as possible.
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Alsalam Wailikum... my name is Chantelle and I've just converted to Islam a week ago and will be performing the Nikah with my husband to be Ridzuan on June 11 2006. It will be a traditional Malay Muslim Wedding/Nikah, which is so new to be as i am Swedish. Im very excited. Thanks for all the info on this site. I need as much help as i can get :) I hope to be happy with my husband forever Inshaallah. Salam
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i think this website is great especially alll the info evn if im only 14 it helps with coursework..im muslim my self kowing that i need to learn more about it!!thank you!!mays(syrian)
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I was having some difficulties finding information about the ceremony, but this article was fantastic! Thank you very much!
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Alsalam Wailikum!! I was married on the 9th day of December 2005 to my husband Awab. We did the Nikah the following Saturday. I read you articles on the marriage in Islam which assisted me in my decision. I am very happy in my life now and forever Inshaallah!. Thank You for this site. Eman Abdelhady.
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Thanks a lot for putting this up, because i was looking for muslim weddings as homework for religious studies. Thanks a million. I got one of the highest marks in class
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This Website is Really a Great Place to Get all one wants to know.I was Searching an answer for a Question luckly i got a Detailed and well-explained Answer.I really appreciate the Hardwork of you people.May Allah will reward you people for this-Amen
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I´m not a Muslim, but I really admire their culture. I have some Muslim friends and they always tell me about their traditions and I told them about ours (I´m a Catholic, by the way). I really find this article very interesting.
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