One of the most important clauses purported by the nikahnama is that of the haq mehr - an obligatory gift given by the groom to his bride, in consideration of the marriage. The points ask for the names, birthdates, addresses and national identity card numbers of the three representatives, along with a specification of the relationship shared between the bride and groom and each of their two witnesses. The witnesses must include two trustworthy Muslim men who are not next of kin to the bride, eg ascendants like the father or grandfather and descendants like the son or grandson. As per Islamic tradition, the couple gives consent to one representative (each) known as the vakil to conduct the ceremony in the presence of two witnesses (from each side) and the stipulated dowry (if applicable). The next few points on the document (number 7 to 11) refer to the representatives appointed by the couple to bear witness to their nikah. “Although my real age upon marriage was 26, my parents felt that it was much too old so they cut off four years of my existence.”
“I was born in 1960 but my nikahnama says 1964,” admits homemaker Nilofer Asghar. The age of a bride is source of great trepidation in many parts of Pakistan, particularly in the rural areas, where an unmarried girl past her marriageable age is brought in for a nikah. Despite the law, many nikahs are conducted with blank or incorrectly filled age slots. Similarly, if the marriage takes place through the court, she must be at least 18. There is a special focus on the age of the bride upon marriage as she should be at least 16 years old for it to be accepted legally (the groom must be 18 or above). Years later, if either of the two parties feel that their partner isn’t abiding by the principles of the nikahnama, the matter can be protested in court.Ī typical nikahnama begins with basic profiling of the bride and groom, asking for their names, address and relationship statuses. It is especially important for the bride to align each detail with her partner in order to safeguard her position in the marriage. A sound knowledge of the nikahnama can actually help the couple understand expectations and their duties towards one another. Little or no consideration is given to the terms and conditions the nikahnama includes couples commence their new lives together unaware of their marital rights.Īlthough seemingly simple, your nikahnama deserves some attention and analysis before you sign it. In fact, many families leave the nikah at the mercy of a maulvi who is hired to conduct the ceremony and fills the form as he sees fit. Once you put your name on the dotted line, there is no looking back and, yet, most couples only see the document seconds before it renders them man and wife. Unfortunately, in the quest for making their wedding memorable, the bride and groom often overlook the one tiny detail which, as it happens, will seal their impending marriage: the nikahnama.ĭon’t underestimate this dull-looking, often poorly-printed document as it is perhaps the most important piece of paper you will ever hold in your life. Right from the time that the wedding dates are finalised up to the actual event, both sets of families are engrossed in a flurry of excitement and activity.įrom bridal outfits and dances to the planning, decoration and implementation of the venue - people invest all their energy into perfecting their event, right down to a tee. Weddings in Pakistan are an interesting affair.