Ahlul-Bait Islamic Centre

Matrimonial Services

Engagement

Engagement is declaring the intention of marriage between a man and a woman who both are agreeable. Virgin girl marriage requires her father's approval or approval from her paternal grand father. It is the first step leading to Islamic contract of marriage which is called A'qd in Arabic or Nikah in Urdu.

Agreement in engagement by itself does have any effect on man or woman as far as rules of Mahram and non Mahram are concerned. Both remain non Mahram and must apply rules of full Hijab, until the A'qd or Nikah is recited between them. Engagement does put on man to spend on the engaged woman, nor puts on the woman any obligations or duty of married wife.

Breaking the engagement remains in the hands of any of them if they found that they can not continue with it. Engagement can be terminated by both or by any one from them and it does not need any recitation like Talaq, nor any Mahr is to be paid after termination of engagement. Engagement does not make the woman a Mahram to the father of the man, nor man become a Mahram to her mother.

Marriage

Marriage has a very high status in the religion of Islam. Allah (SWT) states in the Qur’an:

“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (30:21)

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 willingy

  • The Mahr (Dowry) gift, given to the Bride, by the party of the Groom

  • The “Wali” Guardian of bride if available

  • Two witnesses* for the Nikkah Ceremony

*The bride and groom must provide at least two Muslim, male witnesses for their nikkah ceremony, of which the “Wali” does not qualify. The Husania may provide a witness.

Legal Requirements:

Step 2: Notification of Marriage

Anyone planning to get married in Ireland must give a minimum of 3 months’ notice to the Registrar at a local Civil Registration Service. This is the law in Ireland and it applies to all civil, religious and secular marriages. This is sometimes referred to as notification of your intention to marry. To find out more click here.

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