❖ Can Any Muslim Officiate a Nikah?
Shar’i Ruling and Conditions
Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Volume 1, Page 669
❖ Question:
Is every Muslim allowed to conduct a Nikah (marriage contract) according to Islamic law?
What are the conditions for doing so?
❖ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Ammā baʿd:
❖ General Shar’i Permission
◈ Every sane, adult Muslim is permitted under Islamic law to officiate a Nikah, especially in times of need or necessity.
◈ However, the person must have basic knowledge of the essential rulings and conditions of Nikah, such as:
✔ Ijāb wa Qabūl (formal offer and acceptance)
✔ Specification of Mahr (dowry)
✔ Permission of the Wali (guardian)
✔ Presence of two witnesses
❖ Qur'anic Evidences
- Surah al-Nūr (24:32):
﴿وَأَنكِحُوا الْأَيَامَىٰ مِنكُمْ وَالصَّالِحِينَ مِنْ عِبَادِكُمْ وَإِمَائِكُمْ…﴾
Translation:
“Marry off the single ones among you, and the righteous among your male and female slaves.”
- Surah al-Baqarah (2:221):
﴿وَلَا تُنكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنُوا﴾
Translation:
“Do not marry your women to polytheists until they believe (in Islam).”
❖ Explanation
These verses clarify that:
◈ There is no specific restriction preventing a sane, adult Muslim from conducting a Nikah.
◈ The objective is to facilitate marriage, a Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and enable the community to benefit from its blessings.
❖ Conditions for a Valid Nikah:
✔ The Mahr (dowry) should be decided based on the groom's financial capability.
✔ The guardian’s (Wali’s) consent must be obtained for the bride.
✔ At least two reliable witnesses must be present.
Conclusion:
In the presence of these conditions, any adult, sane Muslim may officiate a Nikah ceremony according to Sharīʿah.
هذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
