Nikah in Islam: A Complete Guide for Beginners
Nikah in Islam: A Complete Guide for Beginners
Nikah is the Arabic term for marriage. In Islamic law (Shariah), it is a solemn and sacred contract between a man and a woman, designed to ensure peace, mutual respect, and companionship.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Marriage is my Sunnah. Whoever turns away from it is not from me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
There are five core elements that make a Nikah valid in Islam:
1. Proposal (Ijab) – The offer made by one party.
2. Acceptance (Qubool) – The acceptance from the other party.
3. Two Witnesses – Minimum two adult Muslim witnesses (male) are required.
4. Mahr (Dowry) – A mandatory gift from the groom to the bride.
5. Consent of Both Parties – Nikah cannot be forced; both must agree freely.
Mahr is a mandatory gift or dower that the groom gives to the bride. It can be in the form of money, jewelry, property, or anything of value.
Qur'an 4:4 says:
“And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously.”
It is a symbol of respect and responsibility, not a price or condition of worth.
For a woman, especially if she is getting married for the first time, the Wali (guardian) – usually the father or close male relative – plays a key role in the Nikah process.
According to Islamic tradition:
A Nikah without the Wali is invalid for unmarried women (based on many scholars’ opinion in Sunni Islam).
1. Khutbah-e-Nikah (Nikah Sermon)
2. Ijab o Qubool (Offer and Acceptance)
3. Signing the Nikah Nama
4. Dua & Celebration
- Walimah (Reception): A meal hosted by the groom’s side.
- Praying Together: It’s Sunnah for the couple to pray two Rak’ahs together.
- Start with Bismillah: Seek Allah’s blessings in your new journey.
Misconception: Nikah needs a big ceremony
Truth: A simple Nikah with witnesses is sufficient.
Misconception: Forced marriages are allowed
Truth: Absolutely false. Consent is mandatory.
Misconception: Mahr must be large
Truth: It can be as simple as a ring or even a verse of the Qur’an.
Nikah is one of the most beautiful Sunnahs of our Prophet ﷺ. It’s not about extravagance but about love, commitment, and building a home that pleases Allah ﷻ.
At BestMuslimMatrimony.com, we help you find the right match – someone who shares your values and faith. Whether you're from Bangalore or anywhere across India, your journey towards Nikah begins here.
Start Your Search Today » BestMuslimMatrimony.com
Nikah in Islam: A Complete Guide for Beginners
Nikah is the Arabic term for marriage. In Islamic law (Shariah), it is a solemn and sacred contract between a man and a woman, designed to ensure peace, mutual respect, and companionship.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Marriage is my Sunnah. Whoever turns away from it is not from me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
There are five core elements that make a Nikah valid in Islam:
1. Proposal (Ijab) – The offer made by one party.
2. Acceptance (Qubool) – The acceptance from the other party.
3. Two Witnesses – Minimum two adult Muslim witnesses (male) are required.
4. Mahr (Dowry) – A mandatory gift from the groom to the bride.
5. Consent of Both Parties – Nikah cannot be forced; both must agree freely.
Mahr is a mandatory gift or dower that the groom gives to the bride. It can be in the form of money, jewelry, property, or anything of value.
Qur'an 4:4 says:
“And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously.”
It is a symbol of respect and responsibility, not a price or condition of worth.
For a woman, especially if she is getting married for the first time, the Wali (guardian) – usually the father or close male relative – plays a key role in the Nikah process.
According to Islamic tradition:
A Nikah without the Wali is invalid for unmarried women (based on many scholars’ opinion in Sunni Islam).
1. Khutbah-e-Nikah (Nikah Sermon)
2. Ijab o Qubool (Offer and Acceptance)
3. Signing the Nikah Nama
4. Dua & Celebration
- Walimah (Reception): A meal hosted by the groom’s side.
- Praying Together: It’s Sunnah for the couple to pray two Rak’ahs together.
- Start with Bismillah: Seek Allah’s blessings in your new journey.
Misconception: Nikah needs a big ceremony
Truth: A simple Nikah with witnesses is sufficient.
Misconception: Forced marriages are allowed
Truth: Absolutely false. Consent is mandatory.
Misconception: Mahr must be large
Truth: It can be as simple as a ring or even a verse of the Qur’an.
Nikah is one of the most beautiful Sunnahs of our Prophet ﷺ. It’s not about extravagance but about love, commitment, and building a home that pleases Allah ﷻ.
At BestMuslimMatrimony.com, we help you find the right match – someone who shares your values and faith. Whether you're from Bangalore or anywhere across India, your journey towards Nikah begins here.
Start Your Search Today » BestMuslimMatrimony.com
