Understand every column of Pakistan's standard Nikah Nama (marriage contract). Know your rights before you sign.
The Nikah Nama is the official marriage contract in Pakistan. It is a legally binding document that defines the rights and obligations of both the husband and wife. Understanding each column is essential before signing.
The Nikah Nama (نکاح نامہ) is the standard marriage registration form prescribed under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961. Every Muslim marriage in Pakistan must be registered using this form. It is prepared by the Nikah Registrar (usually the local Union Council's Nikah Khwan) and signed by the bride, groom, and witnesses.
Name, father's name, age, and CNIC of the groom. Ensure all details match the CNIC exactly.
Name, father's name, age, and CNIC of the bride. The bride must be of legal age (16+ for females in most provinces).
Details of the bride's wali (guardian) — usually her father. Includes name, CNIC, and relationship. While Hanafi law allows an adult woman to contract her own marriage, the wali's signature adds validity.
At least two male witnesses (or one male and two female witnesses) must sign. Their names, CNICs, and addresses are recorded.
This is the most important financial clause. Column 12 records the Haq Mehr Mu'ajjal (prompt/immediate dower — payable at the time of nikah). Column 13 records the Haq Mehr Mu'wajjal (deferred dower — payable on demand or upon divorce/death).
Whether either party was previously married, and if so, the details of divorce or death of former spouse. If the groom already has a wife, he must provide proof of written permission from the existing wife and the Arbitration Council (under Section 6 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance).
This column allows the bride and groom to add any special conditions to the marriage contract. These are legally binding. Common conditions include:
Column 18 asks: "Whether the husband has delegated the power of divorce to the wife?" If YES, the conditions under which she can exercise this right are recorded in column 19.
This is the Talaq-e-Tafweez — the delegated right of divorce. If granted, the wife can divorce herself without going to court (without needing khula).
Date and place of nikah, signatures of bride, groom, wali, and witnesses. The Nikah Registrar signs last and submits the form to the Union Council for registration.
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