Being members of society let’s understand what one of the most basic words means. Nikkah refers to an Islamic, Legal and Socially binding union of matrimony between a male and a female person. This is religiously binding. There are many myths, and we wanted to break some.
What is a Nikkah in a nutshell?
The Nikkah is like a prenuptial agreement. It is a contract between a man and his wife-to-be. This outlines the rights and responsibilities of both persons and the nature of the relationship.
The contract defines a ‘Haq Mehram’, ‘The rights of both partners’, the ‘names of the witnesses defined’, and the names of the persons entering the holy union. Although not many people know what is written in their Nikkah Nama, yet many people read it out loud at the time of the ceremony.
Yet, all of unmarried and some of the married people do not know what a Nikkah entails.
Is there a Nikkah without any Witnesses?
The number of witnesses required vary according to the sects, this ranges from least two witnesses per party to a maximum of four formal ones. This helps invalidation of the marriage, also acting as a protection against secret sexual relationships that have no social recognition.
In some of the sects, witnesses are considered necessary but individuals may enter into Nikkah without them too. Some people and religious sects also believe in a temporary Nikkah, although this is a very disputed issue within that sect. A Nikkah is sometimes read by a Qazi and at other times through any relative or friend holding Islamic knowledge and able to recite the Quran well.
Financial and Sexual Rights in a Nikkah:
In most incidents and events found in historical texts, the man in the relationship is considered to be the traditional breadwinner in a Nikkah. Both partners may work, and both may not but it is up to them to decide.
The male provides protection and shelter to the female, but there is no restriction on this. The wife does not have to spend her own wealth on the family’s well being but if she wills, she may.
Who is Superior in Marriage?
Debate and fresh discourse on the subject suggest that the superiority of a husband over his wife is relative, and the obedience of the wife is restrictive and not absolute.
Women may seek a divorce, as shall the man if they find it fitting. Especially if they are unhappy.
Sex and Divorce:
Both partners also have sexual rights and complete exclusivity of physical and emotional intimacy towards each other. In the absence of any contact, they may seek a separation or divorce. There is no stigma on divorce in the Quran.
However, the woman can not remarry another man atleast until 3 periods or menstrual cycles have passed. This marks the period of Iddah. It is a period of grief, that is a misconception. This is only a safety time to ensure that she is not carrying her ex-husband’s child.
Walima and Secrecy of Nikkah:
Having a social reception is a part of the whole ceremonial union. This makes a wedding lawful, socially validated and respectable. You do not need to serve the gathering sweets, food or anything. Anyone can be a part of the ceremony. An over the top ceremony is not the way to go.
Is there such a thing as A Secret Nikkah?
Bottom line: You can not get married in secrecy to have nonadulterous sex. The only way to go through is through a socially binding wedding. It is what it is fellas. A Nikkah can not exist in absolute secrecy.
Good Morning Pakistan! Who would you like to share this with? Also, read Labor rights in Pakistan.
