Is nikah mandatory in Islam?

In Islam, marriage is strongly encouraged, and the nikah is the formal contract that makes a marriage valid. For most scholars, it is obligatory for a Muslim who wants to marry to have a nikah performed. Without it, the relationship is not considered a lawful marriage in the eyes of God, and it carries serious religious and social consequences. The nikah includes the consent of both parties, the mahr, and witnesses. It is not a sacrament in the same way as in some Christian traditions, but a binding agreement. In the UK, the legal position is separate. A nikah is only legally recognised if it takes place in a building registered for marriages with an authorised person present. If you have a nikah at home or in an unregistered venue, it is religiously valid but not legally binding. Many couples therefore have both a nikah and a civil ceremony, either on the same day or on different days. The order does not matter legally, but you should give notice for the civil ceremony at least 28 days before. Check with your mosque and the register office to understand what is required in your area.