Nikah

The Islamic marriage contract, formed by offer, acceptance, witnesses and a mahr.

Also written · Nikkah · Nikaah · Nika · Nekah · Nikah ceremony · Zawaj · Zawaaj · Aqd nikah · marriage · Islamic marriage · marriage contract · wedding

The meaning

What Nikah means in Islam

The word means to join. Marriage in Islam is a contract rather than a sacrament, and consent is its foundation: the Prophet annulled a marriage a woman told him she had not agreed to. Requirements differ a little between schools: the majority require a wali to contract on the bride's behalf, while Hanafis allow an adult woman to contract her own. Marriage is strongly encouraged rather than obligatory, and celibacy as a religious discipline has no place in Islam.

Evidence · Qur’an · Stated directly in the Qur’an

Read beside it

Words that sit beside it

MahrThe gift of money or property the groom owes the bride, which belongs to her alone.مَهْر
Wali (marriage guardian)The male relative who contracts a woman's marriage on her behalf, usually her father.وَلِيّ
WalimahThe wedding feast held after the marriage, and a strongly confirmed sunnah on the groom.وَليمة
TalaqDivorce pronounced by the husband, which Islamic law permits but treats as a last resort.طَلاق
MahramA relative you may never marry, and before whom the rules of covering are relaxed.مَحْرَم