As-salamu alaykum - Nikah can be simple to avoid zina

As-salamu alaykum. I wanted to share a simple explanation of what the bare minimum for a valid Nikah is in Islam, hoping it helps brothers and sisters avoid falling into zina. Modern customs often make marriage into a big production, but the Nikah itself is essentially straightforward. Families being involved is highly recommended and schools of thought differ, but the actual contract is a verbal exchange - offer (Ijab) and acceptance (Qubul) - and in many cases it doesn’t require an officiant or a signed paper to be valid, as long as the intentions are sincere. The validity of a Nikah rests on three main things: the parties (bride, groom, and sometimes a guardian/Wali), proper witnesses, and the contract (Ijab and Qubul). If someone enters with a wrong intention (for example intending divorce from the start) then the marriage won’t be valid. 1) The Parties - Hanafi: A Wali is recommended, but an adult, sane woman (Rashidah) may contract her own marriage and give the Ijab herself - it’s valid though usually not advised without family involvement. - Maliki, Shafi‘i, Hanbali: Following the hadith “there is no marriage without a guardian (Wali)”, the bride’s Wali should be present and give the Ijab on her behalf (with her consent). 2) Witnesses Witnesses should be adult, sane, and Muslim. - Hanafi: Two men, or one man and two women. - Maliki, Shafi‘i, Hanbali: Two men. 3) The Contract The Nikah is the clear verbal offer (Ijab) and immediate verbal acceptance (Qubul). - The Ijab should be unambiguous (for example, “I [bride] marry myself to you, [groom]” - in some schools the Wali makes this statement). - The Qubul must follow the Ijab immediately. - Both must occur in one uninterrupted session (majlis) - same gathering and place, without a long break or change of topic. Mahr (dowry) Mahr is obligatory and can be paid immediately or later. If no mahr is agreed at the time, the bride is entitled to Mahr al-Mithl (what is customary for women of her status). In Hanafi fiqh a specified mahr traditionally has a minimum (often referenced as the value of ~30.6g of silver). Special cases - Proxy (Wakeel): If parties are apart, they can appoint a wakeel to act and speak on their behalf. A wakeel can also serve as a witness, so only witnesses need to be present. - Nikah al-Misyar: With mutual agreement, a bride may waive certain rights (like housing or maintenance) if this is stated during the Ijab. Bare minimum examples - Hanafi: The bride says “I marry myself to you” (Ijab) and the groom replies “I accept” (Qubul) in front of the required witnesses (two men or one man and two women) who hear it. - Maliki/Shafi‘i/Hanbali: The Wali says to the groom “I marry my daughter, [Bride’s name], to you” (Ijab) and the groom says “I accept” (Qubul) in front of two male witnesses who hear it. - By proxy: The wakeel states the Ijab or Qubul on behalf of the person they represent, in front of witnesses. Conclusion Think things through, consult local imams and scholars, and involve families when possible. The point here is to show how simple a Nikah can be - society often overcomplicates it, which may push some toward zina. My hope is to encourage lawful commitment where possible. Allah knows best and may He forgive our shortcomings.