Pakistani wedding glossary
Nikkah
نکاحNikkah The Islamic marriage contract — the religious and legal core of the wedding, signed by the bride, groom, and two witnesses with mahr (dower) agreed upon.
The nikkah is the religious heart of the Pakistani wedding. A maulana (religious officiant) presides; the bride and groom each agree (with witnesses present) to the marriage contract, and the agreed mahr (dower paid by the groom to the bride) is formalised. Once the nikkah is signed, the couple is religiously and legally married — even if the social celebrations continue for days afterward.
Also known as: nikah, marriage contract