Nikah
Nikah is a great blessing and an act of worship. According to the Sharia Nikah viewed as a contract by both parties agree to live as husband and wife in accordance with the Quran, and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. Having a relationship outside the bond of Nikah is totally prohibited in Islam and is a major sin.
According to Islam, both man and woman have rights over each other when they enter into a contract. Ensure you are ready for your Nikah and fully aware of the consequences and responsibilities of Nikah. Thus we encourage you to read up on this topic and make yourself aware of your responsibilities.
Mahr (Dowry)
One of the essential elements of a Nikah is that the man agrees to pay the woman a dowry. The dowry is not a gift, and is a mandatory requirement for all men whereby an amount of money or possessions with monetary value is paid to the woman at the time of Nikah ceremony or later in the future for her exclusive use.
Nikah fee
Luton Islamic Centre provides a Nikah service for the community. The fee is £75 for the Masjid, any other amount above this is appreciated as a gift. The Nikah will be conducted by Sheikh Abu Suhaib or someone authorised by him.
Nikah certificate
A Nikah certificate will be issued one week after the ceremony and it is important you retain this certificate, as you may need it in the future (e.g. if you undertake Hajj / Umrah – the certificate can prove a Nikah exists between yourselves especially as surnames are usually different at the time of Nikah). The names on the photo ID will be the names that will be written on the Nikah certificate. We will not write any other names.
Non-UK Residents
Muslim brides and bridegrooms who are not permanent residents in the UK and/or who have dual nationality are advised to consult their respective Embassies to comply with any regulations and/or requirements of their home country, if any, before entering into a UK marriage contract.
Documents requirement
- Each partner must present two forms of identification, one with a photo (e.g. UK driving license or passport) and one with a UK permanent address (e.g. Utilities bill or Bank statement with dated within the last four months). It is your responsibility to produce the original documents.
- Birth Certificates – For each partner. If names have changed the original copy of the Deed Poll.
- Divorcees – Decree Absolute & Talaq Documents in accordance with Sharia.
- Widow/Widower – Former spouses death certificate.
- Two male witnesses of good character MUST be present at the time of Nikah. It is vital that the witness reliable, easily-traceable, unbiased witnesses to the Nikah. We will not provide any witnesses.
- If one or both partners are converts to Islam, a letter or certificate is required from the person who conducted their Shahada.
- Filled application form (available from the office or online)
- Original civil marriage certificate (if available)
All of the documents listed above must be original documents and a photocopy of each document for mosque to retain. These documents must be produced before the Nikah. To expedite the process, you can email your documents to: info@lutonislamiccentre.com
Important information
- Either one partner must be a resident of Bedfordshire.
- We only conduct a Nikah where both partners are physically present.
- Both partners must be over the age of 18 and all witnesses must be over the age of 18.
- Presence of the Wali (the bride’s father or next of reliable male kin to the bride).
- Presence of two Muslim Male witnesses, with their ID’s.
- You can bring along friends and relatives to attend your Nikah.
- In Islam a Nikah must be entered in to freely by both parties. Forced marriages are illegal under UK law
- Nikah application is accepted during administration hours (Mon – Friday 12.30 pm to 7pm) or any time via email (info@lutonislamiccentre.com). Applicants must allow up to three weeks before the Nikah can take place in order for processing the application.
- Failing to reply to the LIC attempts to contact you regarding your application will result in termination of your application and also loss of your fee
Disclaimer:
All of the above mentioned, is for your general guidance only. It should not be taken as the law. You should seek independent professional advice as relevant to your circumstances. We only conduct the Nikah, and we do not provide any legally binding advice etc. Conducting a Nikah at Luton Islamic Centre does NOT constitute a Civil Marriage. For further information for Civil Marriage, please contact Luton Borough Council Registrar Office at 6 George St West, Luton, LU1 2BJ.
If you would for Luton Islamic Centre to conduct your Nikah, please complete the form below. You have a choice between the online form, or alternatively you can download the pdf version here.