Nikah (Islamic Marriage) - Pillars and Mahr
Nikah joins spouses in a solemn covenant (mithaqan ghaliza). Its pillars - proposal and acceptance, mahr, witnesses and guardianship - protect the rights of both families.
Also searched as: nikah ka tarika | islamic marriage rules | mahr kitna ho | shaadi islam
How to
Steps in order
- 1Agree the mahr and terms openly with both families.
- 2Conclude ijab and qubul before witnesses with the wali present.
- 3Announce it (walima feast is sunnah) and document it legally.
- 4Begin married life with the newlywed dua and gratitude to Allah.
The contract
Offer (ijab) and acceptance (qubul) in one sitting, a mahr gift from groom to bride, two male witnesses (or one male and two female), and the bride’s guardian (wali) - required by most schools, recommended by all.
Announce the marriage publicly; secret marriages without witnesses are invalid in mainstream scholarship. Register it legally in your country too.
Mahr and living
Mahr is the bride’s exclusive right - prompt or deferred, modest is blessed; the best marriages are the easiest in burden.
Spouses owe love, mercy, maintenance and good company; disputes go first to family arbitration, then qualified scholars or courts.
Sources & review
Quran 4:4 (mahr); Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (marriage rulings)
Learn personal details from a qualified teacher; minor school differences exist.
Educational content — not a fatwa. See methodology and disclaimer.
Reviewed • 2026-01-01Our methodology
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is wali required for nikah?
Most schools require the bride’s guardian; the Hanafi school validates an adult woman’s self-marriage but strongly recommends the wali - consult scholars for your case.
What is a reasonable mahr?
Whatever both agree - modest mahr carries more blessing; it belongs solely to the bride.
Is court marriage enough?
Civil registration protects rights but the shariah pillars - ijab, qubul, mahr, witnesses - must all be fulfilled.
Duas
Related duas
Learn