Question:
Dear scholar,
I am 20 years old (male) and I have a girlfriend. I know that this is forbidden, as the marriage is the only accepted form of a relationship between a man and a woman. So I have the intention to perform Nikah, although I think that I’m still young to make such a decision. My question is the following: The parents of my girlfriend told me that I HAVE TO sign a (written) contract, otherwise the marriage is not valid according to Islam. Is this true?
Answer:
A`udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajeem
Bismillahi ‘r-Rahmani ‘r-Raheem
An Islamic marriage contract (Arabic Katb el-Kitab, Hebrew Ketubah, Urdu Nikah-Nama) is an Islamic prenuptial agreement. It is a formal, binding contract considered an integral part of an Islamic marriage, and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom and bride or other parties involved in marriage proceedings.
Imam Senad Agic
American Islamic Center – Chicago
Majlis #1 Head Imam (IABNA)
www.aicchicago.com
www.imamsenadagic.com
www.iabna.org
