Courtesy of Habibi Matrimonials.
When a Muslim has already decided to marry the person of his or her choice, the respected masjid arranges to perform the Nikah. The process is outlined below:


  • The couple marrying needs to get a marriage license from any city in the USA.
  • Respective Masjid needs a copy of the official city license for their records.
  • Respected Masjid assigns a designated scholar to perform nikah within seventy two (72) hours (approx) from the time the copy of the marriage license is submitted to them.
  • Respected Masjid requires the presence of two Muslim witnesses for the groom and a guardian (wali) for the bride.
  • The ideal guardian for the bride is the father of the bride. In the absence of a father for the bride, the person performing the nikah will guide the marrying couple to arrange possible alternatives depending on their options. If the options meet the Islamic requirements, the nikah will be performed.
  • The groom with consultation and approval of the bride offers in writing the mahr or sadaq to the bride to be recorded on the certificate of marriage.
  • The nikah details are recorded in a prescribed form. It is signed by the bride, the groom, the guardian and the witnesses. A copy of that certificate is provided to the bride and to the groom. Respected Masjid keeps the copy for their records.
  • The official city marriage license is then signed by the person performing the nikah. The respected masjid representative will take the original license and mail it to the city for registration of the marriage.

It may seem odd that many masjids in America now require all seeking Islamic marriage, also must have it done in a civil manner as well. The thought behind this is to prevent the rapid rise of divorces. The thought is if a person is willing to be married via a legal lawful marriage then they are "serious." I have observed Muslims have no respect for civil marriage and will divorce as easily as with Islamic Marriage as with civil marriage.
There is much shame/embarrassement when an American has many divorces in their past. Civil Marriages are on your record, whereas the Islamic Marriage is basically hidden done with the absence of the civil marriage. He/she can easily divorce Islamic wise without shame from having been married many of times.

Muslim women should take heed when it comes to brothers who at age 40 say, "They have never been married." Red flags should pop up like daisies in a feild. Any brother proudly stating they never been married; the sister should proceed with caution.
One who has been divorced is less likely to stay in a long term marriage. No sister who bears children wants to find herself with kids in tow as a single mother unless it is by her choice.
There will be couples who would like to avoid the civil marriage but have an Islamic nikkah and then they will find two witnesses to perform the nikkah. This way is halal, the orginal way.