Glossary
Muslim Marriage Terms Explained
Plain-English meanings of Islamic marriage words — nikah, wali, mahr, istikhara, walima and more — for Muslim singles and families preparing for marriage.
Mahrمهر
Mahr is the marriage gift a groom gives his bride as part of the Nikah. It is her property alone, and the amount is agreed before the contract.
Nikahنكاح
Nikah is the Islamic marriage contract. A man and a woman agree to marry in front of witnesses, with a mahr (marriage gift) and, for most scholars, the bride's wali (guardian) involved.
Waliولي
A wali is the bride's guardian in a Muslim marriage — usually her father, then another close male relative. He looks out for her interests and takes part in the Nikah.