Islamic Marriage Procedure
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Your decision to marry is a spiritual covenant that is rooted in a commitment to one another. A wedding is a joyous event, and we are honored that you’ve chosen us to share the occasion! If you would like to be married at Rahmah Center or request the Imam to officiate your wedding ceremony at a different location, you must complete the following steps:
Islamic Requirements
Step 1: The Islamic Wedding contract is a solemn oath between the spouses and families and their responsibility to each other in front of Allah (God), which requires:
- The offer of marriage and acceptance freely and willingly
- The Mahr (Dowry) gift, given to the bride by the party of the groom
- The “Wali” Guardian of the bride if available
- Two witnesses* for the Marriage Ceremony
- *The bride and groom must provide at least two Muslim male witnesses for their marriage ceremony, of which the “Wali” does not qualify. The masjid will not offer these witnesses.
Legal Requirements
Step 2: Obtain a Marriage License from your registry office both, bride and groom must attend to receive the license. Please remember our marriages are also legal. Therefore, we must enforce this procedure. The original marriage license and the provided return envelope need to be given to the Imam on the day of your Premarital Counseling Session or by the marriage date at the latest.
Administrative Requirements
Step 3: Submit the marriage Service Request form. Please be sure to do this at least two weeks before the ceremony. Once your information is received, the office of the Imam will work on securing an officiant and scheduling the mandatory Premarital Counseling Session.
Step 4: Schedule your counseling session. Our premarital counseling requirement is designed to gain greater insight into a harmonious marriage guided by Islamic teachings and principles. We pray that this process prepares both of you for the journey ahead.
Please review the Premarital Questionnaire before your session.
Step 5: Submit documents and administrative fees.
- Marriage Licenses and provided return envelope
- Rahmah Center Marriage Application Form
- Administrative fee depending on the imam
- Policy Regarding travel of Imam off-site: Please note that the Imam is volunteering his own time and transportation, which is not included in the Marriage Administrative Fee.
Step 6: (optional) Reserving a room for the ceremony. Suppose you plan on having your marriage here at Rahmah Center and only plan on doing the contract signing with no setup. In that case, you will only need to inform the Office Manager how many guests you plan to have (this accommodation will be included inshAllah).
Please contact the Admin with reservations at info@rahmahcentre.com for arrangements and room bookings.
Couples are encouraged to read
“Before You Tie the Knot” Salma Abugudairi & Imam Mohamed Magid
“Islamic Marriage Contracts Resource Guide” – Peaceful Families Project
