The Fard, Wajib and Mustahabb Elements of Nikah

Question

How many fard, how many sunna and how many mustahabb elements are there in nikah, and what are they? And by how many things and acts will a nikah be valid?

Answer

Offer and acceptance (ijab and qabul) are fard; without them there is no nikah at all. The presence of two witnesses is a condition (shart). Announcing the nikah, a khutba before it, its taking place in a mosque and on Friday are mandub (recommended).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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