النكاح
Nikah explained
Nikah is the sacred contract by which a man and woman enter marriage under Islamic law. It is not merely a ceremony — it is a covenant (mithaq) mentioned in the Qur'an as weighty and solemn.
The pillars of a valid nikah
- Consent (ijab & qabul): A clear offer and acceptance between the bride and groom.
- Wali: The bride's guardian, typically her father, who represents her interests.
- Two witnesses: Adult Muslim witnesses to the contract.
- Mahr: The bridal gift given by the groom to the bride as her right.
Why the covenant matters
Allah describes the marriage contract as mithaqan ghaleeza — a solemn covenant (Qur'an 4:21). This framing shapes how Muslims approach marriage: with intention, dignity, and the involvement of family from the very start.