Nikah is the Islamic marriage ceremony and a fundamental religious act in Islam, signifying a contract between the bride and groom.

Nikah is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It’s also important as it fulfils half of a Muslim’s faith, according to a Hadith and from the Nation of the and establishes a family unit, the very foundation of the Umma. 

The key principles include mutual consent of the Groom, the Wali and the Bride, a marriage contract, the offering of a marital gift (Mahr) to the bride, and the presence of witnesses.

Typically, identification documents, proof of Islamic faith, and, if applicable, divorce certificates from previous marriages are required.

It’s advisable to book as early as possible, especially if you require a specific date or have special requests for the ceremony.

Yes sure. We are happy to accommodate your special request while adhering to Islamic principles. Please contact us to discuss them.

In Islamic marriages, the Wali plays a crucial role. The Wali is a male guardian who is responsible for protecting the interests of the bride. Here are the key functions of the Wali in the context of a Nikah:

1. Representation: The Wali acts as a representative of the bride in the marriage process, especially in negotiations of the marriage contract.

2. Consent: The Wali’s consent is often required for the marriage to be considered valid, especially in certain Islamic traditions. This is based on the belief that the Wali will ensure that the marriage serves the best interests of the bride.

3. Witnessing: The Wali may also serve as a witness to the marriage contract and the exchange of vows between the bride and groom.

4. Mahar (Dowry) Negotiation: The Wali is typically involved in discussions regarding the Mahar, the obligatory gift from the groom to the bride, which is a key component of the Islamic marriage contract.

5. Support and Advice: The Wali provides support and advice to the bride, offering wisdom and guidance based on experience and knowledge of the bride’s personal circumstances.

6. Validation of the Marriage: In some Islamic traditions, the presence and approval of the Wali are required to validate the marriage, ensuring that the bride’s rights are upheld and the marriage meets Islamic legal requirements.

7. Resolution of Disputes: If there are any disputes or concerns about the marriage, the Wali may act as a mediator or advocate on behalf of the bride.

The specific requirements and the extent of the Wali’s involvement can vary significantly across different cultures, legal schools within Islam, and individual circumstances. 

If the Wali is unavailable or unwilling to fulfil his duties without valid Islamic justification, Islamic jurisprudence provides alternatives to ensure that the bride’s rights are protected and the marriage can proceed if it is in her best interests.

1. Appointment of a New Wali: The bride may seek a new Wali, such as another male relative who can take on the role responsibly.

2. Islamic Judge or Authority: In the absence of a suitable Wali, an Islamic judge or a qualified Islamic authority such as the manager of the Islamic Centre of Newcastle can act as the Wali for the bride. This is to ensure that the marriage contract is in compliance with Islamic law and that the bride’s rights are safeguarded.

3. Self-Representation: In some Islamic schools of thought, such as the Hanafi school, a mature and sound-minded woman has the right to represent herself in the marriage contract without the need for a Wali. However, this view is not universally accepted in all Islamic traditions.

4. Community Leader or Imam: In non-Muslim countries or where Islamic judicial systems are not in place, a community leader or an Imam may take on the role of the Wali to facilitate the marriage process.

It’s important to note that the specific steps to be taken can vary depending on the Islamic school of thought followed by the individuals involved and the local laws and customs. The primary concern in such situations is to respect the bride’s wishes and Islamic legal principles, ensuring that the marriage is conducted fairly and justly.

In Islamic jurisprudence, the consent of the Wali is traditionally considered important for the validity of a Nikah (marriage). However, what happens if the Wali does not consent to the marriage while the bride does, can vary depending on the school of Islamic thought and the circumstances involved:

1. Hanafi School: The Hanafi school, one of the four major Sunni schools, generally holds that a mature and sane woman does not require a Wali’s consent to marry, and she can contract her own marriage. If her Wali refuses without valid Islamic reason, she may still proceed with the marriage.

2. Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali Schools: These schools generally maintain that the consent of the Wali is a requirement for the marriage to be valid. If the Wali refuses, the matter can often be taken to a Qadi (Islamic judge), who can overrule the Wali’s decision if it is found to be unjustified.

3. Shia School: In Shia Islam, a woman who is of sound mind and has reached the age of maturity can contract her own marriage without a Wali. The Wali’s consent is not a requirement.

4. Local Laws and Customs: In some Muslim-majority countries, local laws and customs may have additional stipulations regarding the Wali’s role. Some countries may follow a specific school of thought, while others may have a more blended approach or have reformed traditional practices.

5. Resolution by Islamic Authorities: If there is a dispute between the bride and the Wali, the matter can be taken to local Islamic authorities or a court, where a decision can be made considering the specifics of the case.

6. Best Interests of the Bride: The underlying principle is the protection of the bride’s best interests. If the Wali’s refusal is deemed to be against these interests and without valid Islamic justification, authorities may allow the marriage to proceed.

We have dealt with this before and we have resolved 100% of the cases we dealt with. But, in general, it is important for individuals in such situations to seek guidance from knowledgeable and respected sources within their community, including imams, scholars, or Islamic legal experts, to ensure that their actions are in accordance with their beliefs and the teachings of Islam.

In Islamic jurisprudence, if the primary Wali (usually the father or paternal grandfather) is unavailable or unwilling to perform his duties, other male relatives can be considered to replace the Wali in the following order of preference:

1. Grandfather: The paternal grandfather or even a great-grandfather can step in as the Wali.

2. Brother: Full brothers are next in line, followed by half-brothers who share the same father.

3. Uncle: Paternal uncles (the father’s brothers) are considered next, followed by their sons (the bride’s cousins).

4. Male Cousins: First cousins, starting with the children of the bride’s paternal uncles.

5. Distant Male Relatives: If none of the above are available, then more distant male relatives from the father’s side of the family may be considered.

6. Islamic Judge or Authority: If no suitable relatives are available, an Islamic judge or a qualified Islamic authority can serve as the Wali such the manager of the Islamic Centre of Newcastle, Imam Richard MacLeod.

The sequence of relatives who can serve as a Wali may vary slightly depending on the school of Islamic jurisprudence followed. It’s also important to note that the replacement Wali should be a Muslim of sound mind, mature, and have the best interests of the bride in mind. If there are no family members who can fulfil the role, the local Islamic community leader or Imam may act as the Wali to ensure the marriage adheres to Islamic principles.

Two adult Muslim males who understand their role in the ceremony can serve as witnesses.

The Mahr is a mandatory gift from the groom to the bride, and its value is agreed upon by both parties.

Yes, the Mahr (also known as dowry or bridal gift) is a mandatory part of an Islamic marriage contract. It is a gift from the groom to the bride and is considered her property, to use as she wishes. The Mahr symbolises the groom’s commitment and responsibility towards the bride and is stipulated as part of the marriage negotiations.

The bride has the right to specify the amount and terms of the Mahr. It should be within reason and as little as she decides to be. It also can be paid immediately (Mu’ajjal) or deferred to a later date (Muwajjal). The form of the Mahr can vary widely; it can be money, property, jewellery, or any other valuable asset.

Yes, the bride can forgo her right to the Mahr if she chooses to do so of her own free will. This decision should be made without any coercion or pressure. If she decides to forgo the Mahr, this should be clearly stated and documented in the marriage contract to avoid any future disputes or misunderstandings.

However, even if the bride forgoes the Mahr, it does not negate the groom’s obligation to provide it. The Mahr is a right granted by Islamic law to the bride, and it is considered a noble act for the groom to fulfil this obligation, reflecting his sincerity and commitment to the marriage.

Certainly, pre-Nikah counselling is available and we highly encourage it as part of the preparation for your Nikah. To get started, please take advantage of our complimentary 15-minute consultation. This session is an excellent opportunity for us to assist and support you, answer any questions you may have, and help you navigate through any challenges. You can book your free consultation by clicking here. We are here to ensure that you have all the guidance you need for this significant step in your life.

The length can vary but is generally brief, often lasting between 30 to 45 minutes.

Yes, while the main prayers are in Arabic, but then the English version is recited.

But in general, the ceremony is conducted in English languages for clarity and understanding.

Hijab for women and formal conservative for all is the Islamic standard and if the ceremony is in the Islamic Centre or at the Mosque. 

Yes, family and friends are usually welcome to attend and anyone else you would like to invite to share with you the special memory.

The standard fee for our Nikah services is £350. However, the final cost may vary depending on additional services you may require, such as the use of your own venue, extra counselling sessions, or the provision of additional witnesses. We recommend discussing your specific needs with the team or the Imam to confirm the final fee.

Upon completion of the Nikah ceremony, we issue a commemorative certificate. While this document is not legally recognised in the UK, we offer a legalisation service for use in Islamic countries. Should you require this certificate, please raise the matter with our team or the Imam for further assistance.

The certificate will be signed by our Imam, a lawyer, attested by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the respective embassy and it’s only valid in Muslim countries.

The fees are £500 and it would take up to 6 weeks. 

Absolutely. We are pleased to offer the flexibility to conduct the Nikah ceremony at a location you select. Please note that additional charges will apply, which will vary based on distance and time considerations. For detailed information and to arrange your ceremony, kindly consult with our team or the Imam.

Certainly. We are pleased to provide the option for an online Nikah ceremony, accommodating all involved parties including the bride, the groom, the Wali, and the witnesses. Whether due to distance or other circumstances, if any or all individuals are unable to be present physically, we are fully equipped to facilitate the ceremony partially or entirely via Zoom, ensuring everyone can participate in this special occasion.

We recognise that unforeseen circumstances may necessitate the postponement or cancellation of even the most meticulously planned events. In such instances, our aim is to support you through these changes.

For cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the ceremony, we will issue a full refund of the fees. Should the cancellation occur with less than 48 hours’ notice, a 50% refund will be provided.

Additionally, we offer complimentary amendments to your booking if requested up to 48 hours before the scheduled ceremony time. Amendments made within 48 hours of the ceremony will incur a 25% surcharge.

A Muslim man is permitted to marry a woman from the People of the Book i.e., Christians and Jews

A Muslim woman is not allowed (Islamically) to marry a non-Muslim man unless he converts to Islam.

Cultural traditions can be included, providing they do not conflict with Islamic principles.

Support varies and may include language translation and legal advice for international documentation

References may be available upon request.

Post-Nikah support can include counselling and guidance on Islamic marital life.

Legal registration involves a separate civil ceremony that complies with UK law.

We don’t, it’s best to consult a legal professional.

Start the conversation by booking a complimentary 15 minutes to discuss the application process, requirements and fees.