The nikah nama explained: India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The nikah nama is the document that records a Muslim marriage in much of South Asia. It is a religious contract, and in several countries it also forms part of the legal record. Many couples sign it without reading every line, which can cause problems later, especially for women. This guide explains what it contains, how registration works in general, and what to check before you sign. It is general information, not legal advice, and rules differ by country and state.

What is a nikah nama?

A nikah nama (also called a nikahnama or nikah certificate) is the written record of the nikah contract: the names of the bride and groom, the wali, the witnesses, the mahr and any conditions agreed. In Pakistan and Bangladesh it is a standard printed form filled in at the ceremony; in India the format varies by qazi and region. See the Islamic marriage contract.

What it usually contains

• Details of both spouses: names, ages, addresses and marital status.
• The wali and witnesses: who gave the bride in marriage and who witnessed it.
• The mahr: the amount, and how much is prompt and deferred. See what is mahr?
• Conditions: any terms agreed in advance, such as the right to work or study, or where to live.
• Divorce provisions: in some forms, a clause on whether the wife has the right to initiate divorce (talaq-e-tafweez).

Pakistan

In Pakistan, the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance requires a nikah to be registered, usually with the nikah registrar of the local Union Council, who issues the nikah nama and keeps a record. A registered nikah nama is the usual proof of marriage for official purposes, such as passports and visas. Check the current rules, forms and fees with the Union Council or local authority. See Zawaj in Pakistan.

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Muslim marriages are generally required to be registered with a licensed nikah registrar (kazi), who completes the standard form and keeps a record. A copy of the registered nikah nama is commonly needed for official purposes. Check the current rules with the registrar. See Zawaj in Bangladesh.

India

In India, Muslim marriages are generally conducted under Muslim personal law and a qazi usually performs the nikah and issues the nikah nama. Rules for registering the marriage with the state differ, and a state marriage certificate is often needed for passports, visas and official records. Some couples also marry under civil law. Check the rules in your state, and see Zawaj in India.

Read it before you sign

Before you sign, check that:

• names, dates and addresses are correct and match official documents;
• the mahr is written clearly, including when deferred mahr is due;
• any conditions you agreed are written in, not just spoken;
• blank lines are crossed out or filled, so nothing can be added later;
• the right people are named as wali and witnesses;
• you have a signed copy, and a copy that is registered where required.

Women in particular should make sure they understand each clause. If something is unclear, ask the qazi or registrar to explain it, and ask a trusted adult to read it.

Using a nikah nama abroad

If you live in the UK, Europe, the US or the Gulf, a nikah nama may not be enough on its own to be recognised as a legal marriage. See nikah in the UK, nikah in Europe, nikah in the USA and nikah in the Gulf. You may need the document attested or translated.

Still looking for a spouse?

Zawaj is a Muslim marriage app built around nikah: written proposals instead of swiping, a Chaperone/Wali feature, and photo privacy. It is free to join. See Zawaj for women in Pakistan and for women in India.

Frequently asked questions

Keep reading

More guides: what is mahr?, Islamic marriage contract and nikah in the Gulf.