Our services

Nikaah

Islamic marriage ceremony and Nikaah Certificate, arranged with a registered Shia Alim.

Apply for Nikaah

What is a Nikaah?

Nikaah (Islamic marriage) is one of the most significant milestones in a Muslim's life. ShiaJamaat assists couples in completing this sacred ceremony by connecting them with a registered Alim and issuing an official Nikaah Certificate. This certificate is accepted by legal and religious organisations as evidence of Islamic marriage within the community.

Please note: A Nikaah Certificate issued by ShiaJamaat is a religious document and not a legal civil marriage registration. To be legally married in the UK, you must also register your marriage with a civil registrar.

Eligibility

  • You must be 18 or over.
  • You must be free to marry — single, divorced, or widowed.
  • For a bride's first marriage, consent of the father or paternal grandfather is required. If both are deceased or estranged, a legitimate guardian may act.
  • If previously married, a valid Decree Absolute, legal divorce certificate, or Talaaq Certificate must be provided.
  • If widowed, the death certificate of the former spouse must be provided.

Alim selection

ShiaJamaat will arrange a registered Alim to conduct your Nikaah. Alternatively, you may choose your own Alim, provided they are registered with ShiaJamaat. An Alim who is not yet registered may do so via our Join Our Team page.

If your spouse is not yet Muslim and wishes to convert before the Nikaah, ShiaJamaat can also arrange the Conversion to Islam ceremony beforehand.

Alim fee is additional. This is NOT INCLUDED in the Nikaah Application Fee. You will need to agree Alims's fee directly with the scholar.

Documents required

  • Valid photo ID — passport, national identity card (EEA/Switzerland), biometric residence card or permit, valid travel document with photograph, or valid UK/EEA driving licence. Originals and copies required.
  • If previously married: UK Decree Absolute or final order, OR a legal divorce certificate from any country, OR a Talaaq Certificate (if former spouse is alive).
  • If widowed: death certificate of the former spouse.
  • A credit or debit card to pay the certificate fee at the time of application.

What happens after you apply?

1

Application received

Your application and payment are logged and you receive an immediate confirmation.

2

Documents verified

Our team reviews your submitted documents to ensure all requirements are met.

3

Alim confirmed

A registered Alim is confirmed for your ceremony date.

4

Appointment confirmed

Your date and time are communicated within 15 days of successful submission.

5

Ceremony

The Nikaah is performed in the presence of the Alim and two witnesses. Both witnesses must be present.

6

Certificate issued

Your Nikaah Certificate is issued by ShiaJamaat upon completion of the ceremony.

Help & information

Frequently asked
questions

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Other questions

Please contact us to discuss arrangements for ceremonies outside Birmingham. Availability and any additional costs will depend on the location and the registered Alim selected.

Yes. ShiaJamaat can arrange the Conversion to Islam (Kalema) ceremony before the Nikaah. The Conversion to Islam form needs to submitted. Please indicate this when submitting your Nikaah application and we will advise on the arrangements and any combined scheduling.

Requirements

You must submit your application at least 14 days before your intended ceremony date. Applications submitted with less than 14 days' notice may incur additional charges. We strongly recommend applying as early as possible to allow time for document verification and Alim confirmation.

Yes. You may choose your own Alim to conduct the Nikaah, provided they are registered with ShiaJamaat. An Alim who is not yet registered can complete registration via our Join Our Team page. ShiaJamaat can also arrange a registered Alim on your behalf if you do not have one in mind.

If you have been married before, you must provide one of the following: a UK Decree Absolute or final order; a legal divorce certificate from any country; or a Talaaq Certificate if your former spouse is still alive. If you were widowed, you must provide the death certificate of your former spouse. Original documents and copies are both required.

The Certificate

The Nikaah Certificate issued by ShiaJamaat is a religious document and is not a legally binding civil marriage certificate. To be legally married in the UK, you must also register your marriage separately with a civil registrar. The Nikaah Certificate is accepted by Islamic organisations and community bodies as evidence of religious marriage.

Two witnesses must be present at the Nikaah ceremony. The witnesses must be present in person — they cannot attend remotely.