Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Assalama Alaikum,

Alhamdulillah for the efforts you are making in answering most questions asked on this forum.  I am sorry to bother you with yet another question.  What are the requirements in terms of minimum number of witnesses for a nikka to be valid according to the sharia.  Is it possible for the wali to be a witness?

Jazakallah khair for your answer.

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Answer:

Minimum number of witnesses required for Nikah

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad(saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Dear Sister in Islam, it is indeed an honor to address your questions on the forum for the sole Pleasure of our Merciful Lord and Creator. We indeed feel honored and blessed by the Merciful that He has allowed us to serve His Cause in this humble way. May Allah Subhanah accept our humble efforts, forgive us our short-comings, and save you, us, and all the believers from the torment of the Hell Fire. Ameen.

Your question: What are the requirements in terms of minimum number of witnesses for a nikka to be valid according to the sharia.

The minimum number of witnesses required for a Nikaah to be valid in Shariah, is

two.

Your question: Is it possible for the wali to be a witness?

There is no harm if the Wali is made a witness, provided both the bride and the groom are available at the Nikaah. Thus the Wali and one other person can be made witnesses to the offer and acceptance contract of Nikaah.

But if the Wali is also the ‘Wakeel’ and has been given the ‘power of attorney’ by either the bride or the groom to accept or reject the proposal on their behalf, then the Wali cannot be made a witness to this Nikaah. For the Nikaah to be valid, there must be at least two witnesses to the marriage contract.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your Brother in Islam,

Burhan