The Method of Nikah: Who Should Conduct the Offer and Acceptance?

Question

At weddings, when the nikah is performed, the imam does not conduct the acceptance (qabul) of the nikah; rather, the agent (wakil) himself conducts the acceptance. Is this the right of the wakil or of the imam? What is the method of offer and acceptance (ijab and qabul) in a nikah?

Answer

On the girl’s side, whoever it may be — her agent (wakil), guardian (wali), the imam or the qadi — should say before witnesses: “I have given the daughter of so-and-so into your nikah for such-and-such a mahr.” The young man should say: “I have accepted her.” If the girl herself, in the presence of witnesses, says this about herself and the young man accepts, that too is valid.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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