Witnesses To A Nikah

It should be noted that there are two different types of witnesses that are being discussed:

i. The witnesses present at the time when the Wakeel is taking permission/consent from the bride.

ii. The witnesses present at the time of the Nikaah.

When the bride is giving her consent and appointing a Wakeel, it will be recommended for her to have two witnesses, preferably her Mahrams, present to witness the consent. However, this is not necessary, rather it is recommended to avoid any future disagreements between the bride and the Wakeel.

As with regards to the witnesses present at the time of the Nikaah, they have to be either two sane, mature males, or one sane, mature male and two sane, mature females (all of whom must listen to the Ijab and Qubul (offer and acceptance of marriage). There is no restriction as to whether these witnesses have to be from the boys’ party or the girls’ party. The witnesses can be from either party or they can even be any two Muslim males or any one Muslim male and any two Muslim females.

Therefore, the Nikaah that takes place with the witnesses from the boys’ party will be valid without any form of Karaahah.