Services

Begin Your Marriage

with Barakah

Arrange your Nikkah at the Islamic Center of Tidewater and begin your marriage

with faith, clarity, and community support.

In Islam, a Nikkah (marriage ceremony) is a covenant with God to honor, respect, care for and love your spouse; it is a legally binding contract. MCT is honored to celebrate with you on this blessed occasion. As Allah, the Exalted, tells us in the Quran:

“And among His (God) signs that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may live in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.“ (30:21)

You may use the below form to contact the masjid about arranging for a marriage ceremony. Please read through the requirements listed below, and contact the masjid at least 2 weeks prior to the date of the Nikkah.

MCT has the following requirements for those seeking a marriage:

  1. The bridegroom must be a Muslim. Islam does not allow a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man.
  2. The bride must have a Wali (Guardian) present during the ceremony. The Wali is typically a relative of the first degree, such as a father or older brother. If they are unavailable or they are non-Muslim, then our Imam can suggest possible alternatives that meet Islamic requirements.
  3. Mutual agreement (Ijab-wa-Qubul) by the bride and the groom: One matrimonial party expresses “ijab,” the willing consent to enter into marriage and the other party expresses ‘qubul” acceptance of the responsibility in the assembly of marriage ceremony. The contract is written and signed by the bride and the groom and two Muslim witnesses.
  4. A dowry (Mahr) i.e. a gift to the bride from the groom must be agreed before the marriage.
  5. A valid State of Virginia Marriage License. Please contact your County Clerk’s Office for fees and requirements (see Virginia Marriage License Requirements).
  6. Divorce or husband’s death certificate if the bride was previously married.

Unless the above requirements are met, the MCT will not issue the marriage certificate.

On the day of the Nikkah, the marrying couple should bring the following:

  1. Marriage License from the State of Virginia.
  2. A valid government issued photo identification (e.g. drivers’ license, passport, or green card), or a valid foreign passport for the bride, the groom, and the wali/guardian.
  3. Two Muslim witnesses The witnesses must be adults. Neither the wali/guardian nor the person issuing the marriage certificate may serve as witnesses. So you must arrange with two witnesses on your own. The witnesses should bring valid government-issued photo identification.
  4. An MCT marriage application Please complete MCT Marriage Certificate Form.

MCT matrimonial services are free. You are welcome to purchase (on your own) decorative nikkah certificates if you would like, to be signed by the witnesses and marriage officiant. Some examples include:

Contact the Islamic Center

We are happy to answer your questions and assist with visits, programs, or general inquiries.

Please complete the form and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.