How Many Times Should the Words of Nikah Be Said?

Question

(1) How many words are required for a nikah to be concluded, such that without them the nikah is not valid? (2) Should the one contracting the marriage say the words of offer and acceptance only once, or three times?

Answer

(1) When there are two words — one the offer (ijab), the other the acceptance (qabul) — the nikah is concluded. It is necessary that this take place before at least two witnesses. (2) Saying it once is sufficient.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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