Pillars and conditions
- The formula: a clear offer and acceptance (“I marry you to…” / “I accept”).
- The spouses: free of impediments (close kinship, milk kinship, or the bride being in a waiting period).
- The wali: most schools require him for the bride; the Hanafi school allows an adult woman to contract her own marriage while recommending a wali.
- Witnesses or publicity: two upright witnesses for most schools; the Maliki school accepts public announcement.
- The mahr: the bride’s right; for most jurists not a pillar but still obligatory.
وَمِنۡ ءَايَٰتِهِۦٓ أَنۡ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنۡ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَزۡوَٰجٗا لِّتَسۡكُنُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيۡنَكُم مَّوَدَّةٗ وَرَحۡمَةًۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَٰتٖ لِّقَوۡمٖ يَتَفَكَّرُونَAnd among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find tranquillity in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy.
Consent is essential: no one may be forced into marriage, and a bride must be consulted and cannot be compelled.
After the contract
- The walima (wedding feast) is recommended, according to your means.
- Maintenance and housing are the husband’s duty; the wife keeps her mahr.
- Civil registration protects your rights in Western countries. See the nikah and registration guide.
This guide is for learning, not a fatwa. Where scholars differ we show the positions of the schools; for your own situation ask a trusted scholar or Islamic centre in your country.
Frequently asked questions
Is marriage valid without a wali?
Most schools say no; the Hanafi school accepts it for an adult woman marrying an equal. Involving family is recommended in all cases.
Is the mahr required?
It is owed to the wife; if none is named, she is entitled to a customary dowry.
Quran text and translations: QuranEnc. Hadith translations: HadeethEnc. Sources are shown on each item. Found a mistake? Tell us.