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:

I know there has to be atleast 2 male muslim witnesses for a muslim Nikah. Does this include the imam performing the Nikah or does it have to be 2 others beside him? 

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Is Imam counted as one of the witnesses?

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.

The truth of the matter is that although it is the norm today, there is absolutely no condition that an ‘imam’ or a particular person has to perform the Nikaah. If a man proposes and the woman accepts the proposal, the mehr is determined, and there are two witnesses to this proposal and acceptance; then the Nikaah will be considered absolutely valid and legal in the sight of Shariah.

Thus, the imam or person performing the Nikaah can be one of the two witnesses, and the Nikaah will be considered absolutely valid and legal.

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