Nikah vows: the wording of ijab and qabul
Unlike many wedding traditions, a nikah has no long set of personal vows. What makes it valid is an offer and acceptance (ijab and qabul), said clearly, with consent from both sides. This guide explains the wording, who says it and what else usually happens. Scholars differ on some details, so ask a scholar you trust about your own situation.
Ijab and qabul: the core of the nikah
Ijab is the offer, usually made by the bride or her wali. Qabul is the acceptance, made by the groom. Both are said clearly, in words the parties understand, in front of witnesses.
The mahr (the bride’s marriage gift) is normally stated in the contract. See what is mahr?.
Example wording in English
Wording varies by imam and culture. A simple example is:
- Offer: “I offer myself to you in marriage, with the agreed mahr.” (or, from the wali, “I give my daughter [name] to you in marriage, with the agreed mahr.”)
- Acceptance: “I accept her in marriage, with the agreed mahr.”
Many ceremonies say it in Arabic, in English, or both. The imam will guide you through it.
Do you have to say vows?
There are no required personal vows. Some couples add a short promise to each other, or a few words of commitment, after the nikah. This is a personal choice rather than a religious requirement, and it should not replace the offer and acceptance.
The khutbah and witnesses
A short sermon (khutbat an-nikah) is customary, often with verses and reminders about taqwa and kindness in marriage. Witnesses are needed for the nikah to be valid under the majority view. See what is nikah? for the full picture.
In the UK: nikah and civil marriage
In England and Wales a nikah alone may not give you legal marriage rights unless the venue is registered and the legal requirements are met. Read nikah in the UK and how to register a Muslim marriage, and check the current rules where you live.
Find someone to say them with
Zawaj is a Muslim marriage app built around nikah: written proposals instead of swiping, a Chaperone/Wali feature so family can be involved, and calls only once a proposal is accepted. It is free to join on iOS and Android.
Frequently asked questions
What are the vows in a nikah?
The core is the offer (ijab) and acceptance (qabul), said clearly in front of witnesses. There are no required personal vows.
Can I write my own nikah vows?
Some couples add personal words after the nikah. They are optional and do not replace the offer and acceptance.
Can the nikah be said in English?
Yes. It can be said in any language the parties understand, though many add Arabic.
Who says the ijab?
Usually the bride’s wali offers her in marriage, or the bride herself offers with her wali’s involvement. Scholars differ on details, so ask your imam.
Keep reading
More guides: what is nikah?, nikah conditions, what is mahr? and how Muslim marriages work