Prior to the Advent of Islam, men were allowed to marry or divorce whenever they pleased leading to a number of problems within the society.

The rights of women proceeding the Advent of Islam as changed drastically to where they stand in society in the twenty first century. However, if a Muslim wedding is held in a mosque, then a marriage officiant, known as qadi, qazi or madhun ( Arabic: مأذون), may preside over the wedding. In Sunni Islam, there is no official clergy, so any Muslim who understands the Islamic tradition can be the official for the wedding. Marriages are usually not held in mosques, (depending on the country and culture of both where the marriage happens and the parties involved) because typically men and women are separated during the ceremony and reception. It is also believed that temporary marriage, or Nikah Mut'ah (a type of contract which had more relaxed requirements) was prohibited in Sunni Islam, the necessity of witnessing was introduced by Sunni caliphs, specifically Umar, to ensure that no couples engaged in secret union. In Shia Islam, witnesses to a marriage are not necessary. Proper witnessing is critical to the validation of the marriage, also acting as a protection against suspicions of adulterous relationships. In Sunni Islam, a marriage contract must have at least two witnesses. Islamic faith marriage contracts are not valid in English law. Whether it is considered a formal, binding contract depends on the jurisdiction. A bride signing the nikah nama ( marriage contract).Īn Islamic marriage contract is considered an integral part of an Islamic marriage, and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom and bride or other parties involved in marriage proceedings under Sharia.

What is a nikah nama in english