Step-by-step guide

Nikah guide — the Sunnah way to perform a nikah

The procedure follows Darul Ifta Azaadville’s answer “Procedure of Nikaah”, with AskImam’s answer on the Sunnahs of nikah.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

The nikah

Consent before two witnesses
The wali (the bride’s father or someone appointed to represent her) asks the bride, in the presence of two male witnesses, for her consent to marry the groom for a stated mahr.
Sources: Azaadville
In the masjid
It is Sunnah to perform and announce the nikah in the masjid.
Sources: AskImam
Permission to the one performing the nikah
The wali gives the person performing the nikah (for example the imam) permission, confirming that the bride’s consent was taken before the witnesses.
Sources: Azaadville
The Sunnah khutbah
The Sunnah khutbah of nikah is recited.
Sources: Azaadville
Offer and acceptance
The groom is told that the bride has been given to him in marriage and asked whether he accepts; he replies that he accepts. With this the nikah is done.
Sources: Azaadville
Du‘a for the couple
The Sunnah du‘a “Barakallahu laka wa baraka ‘alaika wa jama‘a bainakuma fi khair” is read.
Sources: Azaadville
Walimah
It is Sunnah to hold a walimah after the marriage is consummated, according to one’s means.
Sources: AskImam