What is Nikah ?
In Islamic law, marriage or more specifically, the marriage contract is called Nikah; In Arabic-speaking countries, marriage is commonly called Zawāj. The marriage contract is known by different names such as “ ʿAqd Al-Qirān” or “matrimony contract”
Nikah is a contract between two people. Both the groom and the bride are to consent to the marriage of their own free wills. A formal, binding contract (verbal and on paper) is considered integral to a religiously valid Islamic marriage, and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom and bride.
What are the requirements of the Nikah Ceremony?
1) Mutual Consent Agreement between the bride and groom
2) A legal guardian or representative (Wali), on the bride’s side such as the bride’s father, uncle, brother….etc.
3) Two adult Muslim witnesses (either 2 males or 1 male and 2 females)
4) Mahr (Dowry), which is a gift given to the bride from the groom such as gold, cash, ring, trip to umrah…….etc.
5) Islamic Judge (Kadi) or Imam- A Muslim judge or an Imam who will conduct the Nikah in an official Islamic method.
History of Nikah before Islam:-
According to Islamic sources, most women in the pre-7th century Arabia had little control over their marriages. They were rarely bound by contract for marriage or custody of children and their consent was rarely sought. Women were seldom allowed to divorce their husbands and their view was not regarded for either a marriage or divorce. Wemen were treated like property and the (Mahr) dowry was the price of woman paid to to her father as a form of purchase.
History of Nikah after Islam
The rules of “marriage by agreement (marriage through consent)” were reformed and a strict set of rules and regulations were put in place. The essential elements of the marriage contract were now an offer by the man, an acceptance by the woman, and the performance of such conditions as the payment of (Mahr) dowry. The acceptance from the bride’s side had to be made in the presence of at least two Muslim male witnesses. Marriage is no longer a form of purchase between the groom and the bride’s father (Wali); rather it’s a contract that cannot be finalized without the consent of the bride and the (Mahr) dowry is no longer the right to anyone from the bride’s family not even her father. The (Mahr) dowry is the exclusively and solely the right of the bride.
What is Mahr?
it is a mandatory criteria for the validity of a Muslim marriage and is paid by the groom to the bride. The amount of money or possessions of the Mahr is paid by the groom to the bride at the time of marriage for her exclusive use. The mahr does not have to be money, but it must have monetary value. Therefore, “it cannot be love, honesty, being faithful, etc., which are anyway traits of righteous people
Mahr is the mandatory gift that the husband gives to his wife at the wedding. In Arabic terms, such a gift is called Mahr.
Allah states in the Quran “And give the women (on marriage) their Mahr as a gift” (Quran 4:4)
The Muslim groom must first make a financial deal with the bride before the wedding. This financial arrangement is known as Mahr, and it is a gift to her that she may utilize in any way she sees fit. To agree on the Mahr sum, the parties include the amount of Mahr within the marriage contract.
It is entirely upon the bride to decide what to do with the amount received in the form of Mahr. It is simply up to the bride to determine what to do with the Mahr money she has received. No one is permitted to remove any portion of it from her but herself. The bride’s parents do not even share the rights to Mahr.
Later, if the bride proactivly requests a divorce and choses to end the relationship, she will have to return the Mahr to him and get a Khula (forceful divorce bypassing the husband consent).
If however the husband initiated the divorce willingly then the wife is permitted to keep the Mahr and not return back to the husband.
Why is Mahr important?
Nikah contains a few key components that it would be incomplete without. One of these is the Mahr, like material or non material gift by the husband to his wife
Allah says in this Hadith,
“So marry the slave girls with their people’s permission. and give them their compensation according to what is reasonable.” [An-Nisa 4:25]
Allah made it necessary for the latter to give them anything when they marry them, even after their guardian’s agreement. In an identical spirit, Allah commanded Muslim males to continue to financially support their wives’ basic food, clothing, shelter, and maintenance requirements after the marriage.
How much Mahr?
When Prophet Muhammad performed or aided the weddings of his companions, he approved of a variety of Mahr, ranging from a simple iron ring to a piece of gold the size of a date stone. In some instances the Mahr is the knowledge of the Quran and Hadith and willingness to teach to the wife can be considered as Mahr.
What is Wali and Wakil?
What are the Importance of Nikah?
Islam has various reasons to urge marriage such as its benefits in safeguarding one’s Faith and also because it is the only and an essential element in the proper and righteous upbringing of children and upspring. Marriage in Islam plays a major role in protecting a Muslim from the sins of adultery, masturbation and homosexuality. Marriage takes away the possibility of all evils and sins because after marriage a Muslim is supposed to engage himself with a life sharing partner he has married and vice versa. Marriage is the Sunnah of our Noble Prophet (PBUH), as well as of the previous Noble Prophets (AS). As the statement of Allah, the Originator, the High is:
“And indeed We sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad SAW), and made for them wives and offspring” (Ar-Rad 13:38).
Marriage linguistically means to unite and to bring together. The real literal meaning of marriage is to have sexual intercourse; and the metaphorical meaning of marriage is the bond of marriage.
The Muslim scholars defined marriage through various definitions, and one of these is:
“Marriage is such a bond from which the act of sexual intercourse becomes lawful.”
One who has adequate means to maintain a family should marry. Marrying ensures modesty and chastity which is vital for a healthy social life.
Islam prescribes matters that contain good benefits both in this world and in the Hereafter and among the greatest benefits of marriage are the following:
1) Obeying the Prophet (PBUH) and carrying out his teachings, because the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“O young people! Whoever among you is able to marry, should marry.”
2) Marriage guarantees physical and spiritual chastity and peace of a person and keeps the couple away from the pitfalls and temptations of the Satan. Chastity is one of the praise-worthy attributes of the believers as Allah (SWT) mentioned it in the following verse:
“And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts)” (Al-Muminun 23:5).
3) Through marriage the couples achieve mutual affection, mercy and love. Allah (SWT) says:
“And He has put between you affection and mercy” (Ar-Rum 30:21).
4) Through marriage the couple will have righteous offspring. It is the survival of generation and it results in obtaining great and good rewards by having righteous children. Having righteous children or upbringing them on the principle of the Islamic Shariah may, however, be considered among the best form of charity as the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“When a person dies his deeds discontinue, except for three things: Ongoing charity, knowledge which people benefit from, and a righteous son who prays for him.”
5) Marriage is the mean of receiving great rewards for both couples through spending on their children, guarding their chastity, helping them in their problems, protecting them from harms and difficulties and treating them with kindness as the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“No man earns anything better than that which he earns with his own hands, and what a man spends on himself, his wife, his child and his servant then it is charity.”
To avoid spending on one’s wife and children is miserliness and stinginess which is condemnable. But to keep fulfilling unreasonable legal and illegal needs of the family is also extravagance and squandering, which are both disliked.
6) The couples also will gain good rewards through having children, upbringing them in accordance with the Islamic teachings, being patient while educating them and making them ones who will call others to the true religion of Islam.
7) Through marriage Allah (SWT) will enrich the couples and will bless their livelihood. Allah (SWT) says:
“And marry those among you who are single (i.e. a man who has no wife and the woman who has no husband) and (also marry) the Salihun (pious, fit and capable ones) of your (male) slaves and maid-servants (female slaves). If they be poor, Allah will enrich them out of His Bounty. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knowing (about the state of the people).” (An-Nur 24:32).
8) By marrying and fulfilling the rights of the husband, the believing woman will enter Paradise.
9) By having righteous children, the couples will receive good and great rewards in this world and after their death, because righteous children are ongoing charity.
10) A righteous wife is the better provision of this world. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“This world is but provision, and there is no provision in this world better than a righteous wife.”
The righteous wife is a great favor, because she proves to be a good advisor in worldly matters; she is a good life partner and she assists her husband in matters of the Hereafter; thus both achieve high ranks. On the other hand, the righteous husband is a great favor for the wife too.
In short, the greatest benefit of marriage is protection against a sinful life and the fulfillment of sexual desire through lawful means. This great benefit is the main objective of marriage and should be focused upon at the time of marriage; other benefits will then be achieved thereafter.
What is Shahadah?
The Shahadah is the Islamic declaration of faith, which states, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” This declaration is the first of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a fundamental expression of Islamic belief. Reciting the Shahadah with sincere conviction is all that is required for a person to become a Muslim. It signifies the acceptance of Allah as the one true God and Muhammad as His prophet.
How can I perform the Shahadah?
You can perform the Shahadah through our online services, where you will be guided by an experienced Islamic scholar. The process involves making a clear and sincere declaration of faith, repeating the words of the Shahadah. Our scholars will ensure you understand the significance of this declaration and provide support throughout the process. You can schedule a session at a convenient time, and we will ensure all necessary religious protocols are followed.
Is there a specific age requirement for Shahadah?
There is no specific age requirement for taking the Shahadah; however, the individual must be mature enough to understand the meaning and implications of the declaration. Generally, the age of maturity is considered to be around the age of puberty, but younger children who demonstrate an understanding of the faith and a sincere desire to become Muslim may also take the Shahadah with the guidance of their parents or guardians.
Do I need witnesses for the Shahadah?
Yes, it is recommended to have witnesses when taking the Shahadah. Witnesses can be fellow Muslims who will testify to your declaration of faith. Having witnesses adds to the formal and communal aspect of the declaration, reinforcing your commitment to the faith and providing support as you begin your journey as a Muslim. Our online service will ensure witnesses are present during your Shahadah.
What happens after I take the Shahadah?
After taking the Shahadah, you are officially considered a Muslim. You will be provided with guidance on the basic practices of Islam, such as how to perform prayers, fasting, and other acts of worship. You may also receive resources to help you understand the Quran and Hadith, as well as support from the Muslim community to help you integrate and continue learning about your new faith. Our service offers follow-up sessions to address any questions you might have and to provide continuous support.
Can I take the Shahadah more than once?
The Shahadah is a one-time declaration that formally marks your entry into Islam. However, Muslims often recite the Shahadah as part of their daily prayers and other religious activities to reaffirm their faith. Repeating the Shahadah in daily practices serves as a reminder of one’s commitment to Allah and His messenger.
What is Talaq?
Talaq is the Islamic process of divorce initiated by the husband. It involves the husband pronouncing the divorce in a clear and unequivocal manner, typically by stating, “I divorce you” three times. Talaq can be issued in one of three forms: Talaq-e-Ahsan (the most preferred form), Talaq-e-Hasan (a good form), and Talaq-e-Biddat (instant divorce, which is banned in many Muslim countries). The process of Talaq should be undertaken with careful consideration and in accordance with Islamic teachings, ensuring fairness and respect for both parties involved.
What is Khula?
Khula is the Islamic process of divorce initiated by the wife. It involves the wife requesting a divorce from her husband and offering to return the dowry (Mahr) or other compensation agreed upon by both parties. If the husband accepts these terms, the marriage is dissolved. Khula is typically sought when the wife feels she cannot continue the marriage due to valid reasons and desires her freedom. It is important that both parties agree to the terms of Khula, and the process should be conducted fairly and respectfully.
What are the steps involved in Talaq?
The Talaq process involves several steps:
- Declaration: The husband makes a clear and unequivocal statement of divorce.
- Waiting Period (Iddah): The wife observes a waiting period of three menstrual cycles or three months. This period allows for possible reconciliation and ensures that the wife is not pregnant.
- Reconciliation Efforts: During the iddah, efforts can be made to reconcile the marriage through counseling or mediation. If reconciliation occurs, the divorce can be revoked.
- Finalization: If no reconciliation is achieved, the divorce becomes final at the end of the iddah period.
What are the steps involved in Khula?
The Khula process includes the following steps:
- Request: The wife expresses her desire for a divorce to her husband.
- Negotiation: The wife and husband negotiate the terms of the divorce, including the return of the Mahr or other compensation.
- Acceptance: The husband accepts the terms proposed by the wife.
- Finalization: Once both parties agree, the divorce is finalized, and the marriage is dissolved.
- Documentation: The terms and acceptance are documented, often with witnesses, to ensure the process is legally recognized and transparent.
Can Talaq and Khula be performed online?
Yes, our services provide online facilitation for both Talaq and Khula processes, ensuring compliance with Islamic guidelines and legal requirements. Our experienced scholars and legal advisors will guide you through each step, ensuring all necessary documentation and protocols are followed. This approach provides convenience and accessibility while maintaining the integrity of the process.
Is witness required for Talaq or Khula?
While witnesses are not strictly required for Talaq, having witnesses can help validate the process and provide support for both parties. For Khula, witnesses may be required to ensure the agreement between the wife and husband is clear and consensual. Witnesses help ensure transparency and can assist in resolving any disputes that may arise.
What happens during the iddah period?
During the iddah period, the wife remains in the marital home unless circumstances prevent it. This period is intended for reflection and possible reconciliation. The husband is typically responsible for the wife’s financial support during iddah. If reconciliation is not possible, the divorce becomes final at the end of the iddah period. The length of the iddah varies depending on whether the wife is pregnant or not, ensuring clarity regarding any potential offspring.
Can Talaq or Khula be revoked?
Talaq can be revoked during the iddah period if both parties agree to reconcile. The husband can take his wife back, and the marriage continues without needing a new contract. However, after the iddah period, the Talaq becomes final, and a new marriage contract would be required for reconciliation. Khula, once finalized and accepted by the husband, is usually irrevocable, meaning the marriage cannot be resumed without a new marriage contract.
Are there any financial obligations after Talaq or Khula?
After Talaq, the husband may be required to provide financial support (Nafaqah) during the iddah period to ensure the wife’s well-being. The wife is also entitled to her deferred Mahr if it was not paid earlier. In the case of Khula, financial obligations depend on the terms agreed upon by both parties, including the return of the Mahr or other compensation. Both parties should ensure a fair and just settlement to fulfill their religious and legal obligations.