NIKAH
“…….He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put Love and Mercy between your hearts……”
(Surat Ar-Rum Verse 21)
Nikah (marriage) is a sacred social contract between bride and groom and is strongly encouraged in Islam. It is declared to be one half of a Muslim’s faith. In another narration the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has been reported to have said,
Do not delay in three things:
1. The offering of the obligatory prayer.
2. The offering of the funeral prayer when the deceased’s body is present.
3. The marriage of a woman when her suitable match is found.
There are a number of things to be taken into consideration before one can arrange a Nikah such as:
1. Mutual consent from both the bride and groom for the Nikah (marriage)
2. Two adult witnesses and representation from the bride who will be present at the Nikah.
3. Mehr – The marriage-gift (Mehr) is a divine injunction. The giving of Mehr to the bride by the groom is an essential part of the contract and may be paid in cash, property or movable objects to the bride herself. The amount of Mehr is not legally specified, however, moderation according to the existing social norm is recommended. The Mehr 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 Mehr however, falls due in case of death or divorce.
Markazud Dawat Walirshad provide Nikah services and the following procedure and rules will apply:
- A Marriage ceremony will have to be pre-booked and a Nikah form must be filled in and submitted at least 21 days prior to the solemnisation day.
- Foreign passport holders will need to submit a copy of their visa validating they have the right to remain in the United Kingdom or a Civil Marriage Certificate issued by the local registry office.
- MDWI will not issue a Nikah certificate to foreign nationals.
- Passport copies and proof of address of both bride & bridegroom must be submitted with the application form.
- Marriage (Nikah) fee must be paid in full when submitting the marriage form. The current fee is £100 plus £20 officiating fee.
- If any of the parties are divorced then the relevant documentation showing proof of divorce (Decree Nisi) or (Marriage Dissolution Certificate from Islamic Sharia Council) must be produced with application form.
- Nikah must take place in the Masjid Only and by Masjid Imaams Any other Imaam/venue will be at the discretion of management.