What is a nikkah (i.e., nikah, nikaah, and Islamic marriage contract)?
A nikkah (i.e., nikah, nikaah, and Islamic marriage contract) is the marriage agreement between a Muslim couple that creates a Muslim marriage. Without the nikkah, there is no actual marriage in Islam. The exact terms of the nikkah can vary, but generally it requires (1) the unforced agreement of the bride and groom, (2) a gift to the bride, Maher, and (3) witnesses to the agreement to get married.