Is a Marriage Valid if There Was No Verbal Ijab and Qabul Between the Wali and Groom?
Question
Assalamun Alaykum, I asked this question yesterday but I fear I may not have worded the crucial part right . So I corrected it now kindly Help with clarification Once again. Jazakumullah Khayran. Please I have an important on the basis on which an Akhid nikkah is intact. An Akhid nikkah was held, families were introduced, sermon was given, Mary was discussed. However they're was no verbal declaration of Offer and acceptance from the father of the bride to the Groom. The Groom realises this on the journey home after the gathering and is having doubts about the validity of the nikkah. the groom called the brides father who is an imam and he says there is no need for verbal declaration of offer and acceptance that the nikkah is valid but the groom is having doubts kindly clarify with Proof.
Islamic Ruling & Answer
Walekumussalam,
In the described situation, if offer and acceptance (ijab and qabul) took place in the marriage gathering in any clear manner, in the presence of witnesses — whether the words were brief or conveyed through a representative (wakeel/imam) — then the nikah is completely valid. It is not necessary that the bride’s father himself must pronounce specific words.
However, if in reality neither the groom expressed acceptance, nor did anyone do so on his behalf as a representative, then the nikah would not have been concluded, because offer and acceptance are essential pillars of a valid marriage in Shariah.
Therefore, the ruling is:
If ijab and qabul occurred in any form, the nikah is valid; otherwise, it is not.
Answered by
Daurah-e-Hadith (Fazil), Darul Uloom Deoband · Specialization in Fiqh & Ifta (Grade A), Jamea Tul Hidaya, Jaipur
July 03, 2026
Researched & verified under our editorial & answer-review policy.
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