How many gawah are needed for nikkah?

The nikkah is the Islamic marriage contract, and it becomes valid when the offer and acceptance are exchanged in the presence of witnesses. Most commonly, two adult Muslim men are required. If you cannot find two men, many scholars accept one man and two women, but this depends on which school of Islamic law your community follows.

The witnesses must be sane, adult and Muslim. They should hear the marriage proposal and the acceptance directly, rather than being told about it later. Their role is to confirm that the contract was made freely and properly. You may also need the consent of the bride's guardian, known as the wali, depending on your tradition.

Because rules differ between schools and communities, do not rely on general advice alone. Speak to the imam or scholar who will conduct your nikkah. They will tell you exactly who is needed for your ceremony and whether they must be present in the room. If you plan to combine the nikkah with a civil marriage, check the legal witness rules too. In England and Wales, you need two witnesses at the civil ceremony, and the legal ceremony may need to happen separately or in a registered building.