Islamic marriage (Nikah) at the Hamidiye Mosque

Marriage – love, mercy and responsibility

Allah describes marriage in the Qur’an as one of His signs: spouses are created so that they may find tranquillity with one another, and affection and mercy are placed between them (Qur’an, Ar-Rum 30:21).

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also encouraged young people who are able to marry to do so: “O young people! Whoever among you is able to marry should marry…” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 5066)

In Islam, marriage is a serious and responsible bond based on mutual consent, respect, faithfulness, responsibility, affection and mercy.

Our mosque particularly wishes to encourage young adult Muslims, according to their personal and financial circumstances, to seek a suitable spouse and to approach marriage responsibly.

Nikah at our mosque

Our mosque supports couples preparing for marriage and organises and conducts the Islamic marriage ceremony (Nikah).

The Nikah ceremony at our mosque is provided free of charge.

The ceremony is conducted according to the Islamic principles followed by our mosque. All necessary requirements are discussed with the couple beforehand.

The free and mutual consent of both spouses is essential. The Prophet ﷺ expressly taught that a woman must not be married without her consent (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 6970 and related narrations).

Civil marriage in Germany

An Islamic religious marriage by itself does not, as a general rule, create a legally recognised civil marriage in Germany. Under German law, a civil marriage is concluded before a registrar (German Civil Code – BGB § 1310).

For this reason, our mosque conducts a Nikah only after the couple has already completed their civil marriage.

Before the Nikah ceremony, the couple must present their official marriage certificate (Eheurkunde), or appropriate official proof of an already completed civil marriage. Please coordinate the required documents with our mosque in advance.

Witnesses and Mahr

For a Nikah conducted by our mosque, at least two suitable witnesses are required. Details concerning the requirements for witnesses will be discussed with the Imam beforehand.

An important right connected with Islamic marriage is the Mahr (مهر / صداق), the bridal gift due to the bride. The Mahr belongs to the bride. The Qur’an instructs that women be given their bridal gifts willingly and graciously (Qur’an, An-Nisa 4:4).

The amount and form of the Mahr, as well as the time of payment where relevant, should be clearly agreed between the bride and groom before the Nikah. We recommend that it reflect the couple’s circumstances and that it should not become an unnecessary obstacle to marriage.

Preliminary meeting and contact

Further Islamic-law questions, such as matters concerning a wali or particular personal circumstances, will be discussed with the Imam before the Nikah.

To arrange a date and the required documents, write to us at info@hamidiye-frankfurt.de or speak to us at the mosque.

Notice: The information on this page is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For individual legal questions, please contact the competent authority or a qualified legal adviser.