Nikah — The Islamic Marriage Contract

The nikah (Islamic marriage contract) is a sacred agreement that establishes the lawful relationship between a man and a woman. It is considered one of the most important contracts in Islamic law, combining legal, social, and spiritual dimensions. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Marriage is my sunnah. Whoever turns away from my sunnah is not of me" (Sunan Ibn Majah). Marriage in Islam is both an act of worship and a social institution designed to preserve human dignity, fulfill natural desires lawfully, and create stable family units.

The Spiritual Foundation

Marriage in Islam is rooted in divine wisdom. Allah says: "And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought" (Quran 30:21). The marital relationship is described as one of mutual garment: "They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them" (Quran 2:187), signifying protection, comfort, adornment, and concealment of each other's faults. Marriage is half of one's deen and a means of completing one's faith.

Legal Requirements

A valid nikah requires: the consent of both parties (the Prophet prohibited forcing women into marriage); a wali (guardian) for the bride according to the majority of scholars; two Muslim male witnesses (or one male and two female witnesses according to the Hanafi school); an agreed-upon mahr (bridal gift) from the groom to the bride; and the ijab and qabul (offer and acceptance) spoken in the same sitting. The Hanafi school uniquely allows an adult woman of sound mind to contract her own marriage without a wali, though having one is still recommended.

Choosing a Spouse

The Prophet provided guidance for spouse selection: "A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her lineage, her beauty, and her religion. Choose the one with religion and you will prosper" (Sahih al-Bukhari). Similarly for choosing a husband: "If someone whose religion and character you are pleased with comes to you (seeking marriage), then marry him. If you do not, there will be turmoil in the land and widespread corruption" (Sunan al-Tirmidhi). The prospective spouses are permitted and encouraged to see each other before marriage. The man may look at the woman (and she at him) to the extent needed to make a decision.

Rights and Responsibilities

Marriage in Islam creates a framework of mutual rights and responsibilities. The husband is financially responsible for the household (nafaqah), including housing, food, clothing, and medical care, regardless of the wife's personal wealth. The wife has the right to her mahr, kind treatment, equitable time (in polygynous marriages), and personal wealth. Both spouses owe each other companionship, fidelity, mutual consultation, and intimate relations. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The best of you is the best to his family, and I am the best of you to my family" (Sunan al-Tirmidhi). He would help with household chores, mend his own shoes, and treat his wives with gentleness and affection, establishing the model for Muslim husbands.