Getting Married?

You got him/her to say ‘yes’, the hard part is over! Now comes preparing for the Islamic and civil solemnization of your marriage.

This page will take you through the steps required, in the following order. You may adjust the sequence depending on your circumstances. Click on a topic to jump directly to it:

  1. Islamic Marriage Contract
  2. Civil Marriage Licence
  3. Nikah (‘aqd)
  4. Civil Marriage Certificate


1 | Islamic Marriage Contract

This item comes first because it may require time to think, discuss, and decide upon. However you may want to simultaneously start on Step #2 (licence), which you can read about later.

  • Download and carefully review the contract with your future spouse
  • Download and review the informational pamphlet on optional conditions
  • Scroll down for information on how to fill out the form
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Islamic Marriage Contract Template

1 file(s) 410.89 KB
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Issue 9 - Optional Conditions in a Marriage Contract

1 file(s) 238.98 KB
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Issue 8 - Proposal & Engagement: A Few Reminders

1 file(s) 219.77 KB
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Below are brief explanations of each section. Review and discuss with your soon-to-be partner, before filling out the form.

The date the marriage will take place. Common date, followed by Islamic date

Fill in as much as possible. Use full legal names & spelling.

The individual who will perform the nikah on behalf of the bride and/or groom, usually an ‘Alim.

You can have a single wakil for both bride and groom, or one for each.

It is recommended that at least one of the two wakils is also a religious official authorized by the Ontario government to register the civil marriage by signing the Marriage Licence. In this way, both the religious and civil marriage can be registered at the same time. More information on this in step 2.

The agreed upon dowry which can be in monetary form, material goods, or even a service (a promise for Hajj/Ziyarat, etc.)

It can be paid immediately (i.e. at the time of nikah) or deferred (i.e. upon demand by the bride) or partly immediate and partly deferred. (See the “Optional Conditions” download)

Note that there is no ‘normal’ amount, or amount that is too big or too small. Look at your own means and the intention behind the mahr, not what others are doing.

Signatures of the groom and the bride should be done at the time of nikah, however, there is no problem if both sign beforehand.

Both parties must be in agreement on whether they want to add optional conditions, and what those conditions will be.

There can be no additional conditions, or the conditions in the template can be used as-is, or a modified version, or even a separate document altogether; whichever one is used, must be signed by both parties and kept with the main contract.

Within the template file, there are two variations of Optional Condition #1; sign whichever version is agreed upon. This condition mentions the province of Ontario, this can be altered according to your region if necessary.

If Optional Condition #2 is also agreed upon, sign directly below it.

If Optional Conditions #3-7 are agreed upon, sign at the bottom of the page.

Two witnesses must be appointed beforehand. They must be present at the nikah.

Do not have them sign yet, they must sign in person, right after the Nikah when instructed.

A list of terms used and the corresponding meanings, to better understand the contract.


2 | Civil Marriage Licence

This section is based upon Ontario (Canada) provincial laws, however the process may be similar for your region. Check with your local ministry accordingly.

An Islamic marriage is not recognized by Ontario courts. Likewise, a legal civil marriage is not recognized in Islamic laws. These are two different processes that do not effect each other. Therefore, it is necessary to complete both processes so that both parties are protected Islamically and legally.

For a civil marriage you must first apply for a marriage licence with your local city. For Ontario, you will require:

  • 2 pieces of ID
  • Fee payment
  • Filled out form (click here to download)
  • Confirm that whoever will recite your nikah is a registered religious official, who can later register your marriage. Click here to confirm or find a registered religious official. (This step is not mandatory at this stage, but will be helpful)

Click here for further detailed information, as well as to find a local municipal office in your area, to submit the form. If you process it in-person, you will receive a licence in half an hour. You will also be given a pre-addressed return envelope; hold on to this, it will be required later on.

Note that this licence is valid for 3 months, so plan to obtain it within a maximum of 3 months before your Nikah.


3 | Nikah

Plan for your Nikah day to ensure a smooth process. Review this checklist to make sure you’re ready:

  • Discussed & agreed on optional conditions

  • Agreed on mahr (and given, if necessary)

  • Assigned Wakil(s)

  • Provided consent (see note below)

  • Assigned 2 witnesses

  • Filled out, and brought the contract

  • Obtained, and brought the licence

  • Brought the pre-addressed return envelope


Consent: If the marriage contract is signed by both parties after the authorized wakil(s) names are written, that would be considered sufficient consent for the wakil(s). Or, if both parties have signed a ‘wakalatnama’ form ahead of time, then that would also be considered sufficient consent for the wakil(s). If neither has been done, the wakil(s) will need to seek verbal consent from the bride and groom at the time of the nikah.
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The authorized wakil(s) will then review the paperwork, and will recite the ‘aqd.

If your wakil is a registered religious official as mentioned in Step 2, then they will obtain the required signatures at the time of the nikah, and then sign the appropriate sections of your marriage licence. They will give you your portion of the licence, and they will take their portion to fill and file with the Marriage Registrar’s office. Ensure to bring the pre-addressed return envelope that was given to you when you obtained the marriage licence.


4 | Civil Marriage Certificate

Once the nikah has been recited, and the marriage licence has been signed, the final step will be to apply for a marriage certificate. The licence ‘allowed’ you to get married, and the certificate will ‘confirm’ that you’re married.

The registered religious official will send the duly filled marriage licence to the Marriage Registrar’s office, to have your marriage registered.

You may apply for a certificate 6-8 weeks after the paperwork has been sent.

Click here to order your marriage certificate online, or for further information.

Once you’ve received your certificate, you’re done!

If you have any questions on this process, you can use our contact page to send your query.