Nikah is the Islamic marriage contract: the religious and legal foundation of every Muslim marriage. It is a solemn covenant between a man and a woman, witnessed by others and sanctioned by Allah.
The requirements for a valid nikah in Islam are: mutual consent of both the bride and groom, a waliyy (guardian) for the bride (typically her father), at least two Muslim witnesses, an agreed-upon meher (mahr) from the groom to the bride, and the formal offer and acceptance (ijab and qabul).
In Somali culture, the nikah ceremony is typically conducted by an imam or a knowledgeable community elder. It often takes place at the masjid, though it can be held anywhere. The ceremony begins with a khutbah (sermon) about the importance of marriage in Islam, followed by the formal contract.
The nikah and the aroos (wedding celebration) are often held on separate occasions in Somali tradition. The nikah formalises the religious bond, while the aroos is the communal celebration. Some families hold them on the same day, while others space them apart.
Islamic Context
The nikah is a sacred contract in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Announce marriages." (Tirmidhi) He also said: "Marriage is my sunnah. Whoever turns away from my sunnah is not of me." (Bukhari and Muslim)
How Sahan Helps
Sahan helps Somalis find the partner they will make nikah with, through verified profiles, compatibility matching, and a commitment to halal interaction from first message to marriage.
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