There are a few requirements in Islam when it comes to marriage. Both parties, bride and groom must be consenting to the partnership/marriage that will take place. There must be at least two witnesses when the marriage takes place in order for it to be valid. The groom must offer the bride a wedding gift called “mahr”, in many instances the gift is a gold coin but the bride has freewill to choose whatever she pleases. Mahr symbolizes that the husband is acknowledging and accepts the responsibilities to come. There is no specific amount of how much the mahr should be. Mahr can be paid as cash, property, or any objects depending on what the wife pleases. “Give women ˹you wed˺ their due dowries graciously. But if they waive some of it willingly, then you may enjoy it freely with a clear conscience.” Surah An-Nisa, Verse 4. The mahr doesn’t have to be paid at a specific time. It can be paid to the bride immediately at the time of the marriage or be deferred to a later day. 

A marriage contract must be written up and signed by both willing parties. There must be at least two Muslim adult witnesses. After this takes place the bride and groom are considered married. A Muslim judge will officiate the marriage and keep the records. A khutba will then take place which is a celebration of the marriage. Note that the khutba is a celebration that comes before the actual wedding. Some people choose not to have a khutba and just to have a wedding right away. All celebrations start with remembering and praising Allah (swt). May your wedding be a blessed one. Faith Consulting offers psychologists that can help work through pre or post marital counselling. Book a one on one video consultation with one of the top Muslim pyscholgists in the world for any concerns. 

Written by Anan Helwih