The legal requirements for a Muslim marriage in India are governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, and the rules and customs of the Islamic faith. Here are the key legal requirements: Age: The bride and groom must have attained the age of puberty, which is presumed to be 15 years for boys and 9 years for girls. However, the parties can enter into a marriage contract at any age with the consent of their guardians. Consent: The marriage must be entered into by free consent of the parties. In other words, neither the bride nor the groom should be under duress, coercion or undue influence while entering into the marriage contract. Witnesses: Two witnesses are required to be present at the time of the marriage contract. The witnesses must be sane and adult Muslims who understand the nature of the contract. Mahr: Mahr is a mandatory payment that the groom has to make to the bride as a token of his love and commitment. It can be a sum of money or any other valuable asset, and it is specified in the marriage contract. Registration: In India, there is no legal requirement for the registration of Muslim marriages. However, some states have made it mandatory to register the marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, or the Muslim Marriage Act, 1954. Registration of marriage helps in proving the existence of the marriage and in settling disputes related to the marriage. It is important to note that Muslim personal law is a complex and evolving area, and there may be variations in its application and interpretation in different parts of India.

Dear client, In India, Muslim marriages are governed by Islamic personal laws as codified in the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937. Unlike Hindu marriages, which are considered sacramental, a Muslim marriage (Nikah) is treated as a civil contract with specific legal and religious requirements. 1. Essential Conditions for a Valid Muslim Marriage For a marriage to be legally valid under Muslim law in India, it must fulfill the following conditions: (i) Offer and Acceptance (Ijab-o-Qubool) A valid proposal (Ijab) must be made by one party, and an acceptance (Qubool) must be given by the other in the same sitting. This ensures mutual consent, which is a fundamental requirement of a Muslim marriage. (ii) Competency of the Parties • Both the bride and groom must be Muslims (except that a Muslim man can marry a Christian or Jewish woman but not an idol-worshipper or atheist). • Both must be of sound mind and capable of understanding the consequences of marriage. • Both must have attained puberty (usually presumed at 15 years of age under Muslim law). However, as per Indian law, the minimum age for marriage is 18 years for females and 21 years for males under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. (iii) Free Consent A Muslim marriage is void if consent is obtained through coercion, fraud, or undue influence. A woman forced into marriage has the legal right to get it annulled. (iv) Witnesses • In Sunni law, two adult Muslim male witnesses (or one male and two female witnesses) must be present. • In Shia law, witnesses are not mandatory, but the marriage must be conducted properly. (v) Dower (Mehr) • The groom must pay Mehr (dower) to the bride, either immediately (prompt dower) or later (deferred dower). • Mehr is the wife’s financial right and serves as security for her. (vi) Absence of Prohibited Relationships A marriage is invalid if the couple is related by: • Consanguinity (close blood relations like mother, sister, or daughter). • Fosterage (if both were breastfed by the same woman). • Affinity (certain in-law relationships). (vii) No Existing Marriage for Women • A Muslim woman cannot marry if she is already married unless the previous marriage has been legally dissolved. • A Muslim man, however, is permitted to have up to four wives, provided he treats them equally and justly. 2. Registration of Muslim Marriages Muslim marriage registration is not mandatory under personal law, but several states have made it compulsory under state-specific laws like: • Uttar Pradesh Muslim Marriage Registration Rules, 2017. • West Bengal Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Act, 1981. Additionally, under the Supreme Court’s directives, registration is encouraged to avoid disputes. We hope this clarifies your query. Please feel free to reach out for further assistance. Thank you.

DEAR CLIENT, In India, marriages among Muslims are governed primarily by Muslim personal law, which draws upon the Quran and Hadith. The legal framework also integrates aspects of the Indian Constitution and statutory laws. Understanding the legal requirements for a Muslim marriage in India requires familiarity with both these sources. The essential aspects of a valid Muslim marriage (Nikah) are as follows: The cornerstone of a valid Muslim marriage is the free consent of both the bride and groom. This means that both parties must willingly agree to the marriage without any coercion or undue influence. In accordance with Islamic teachings, the bride has the right to choose her partner, and her consent is essential for the marriage to be valid. Islamic law prescribes that both parties must have reached the age of maturity. While there is no specific age mentioned in the Quran, it is generally interpreted that both parties should have attained puberty. In India, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 sets the legal age for marriage at 18 for girls and 21 for boys. Therefore, both parties must comply with these statutory age requirements to ensure that the marriage is legally recognized. A Muslim marriage must be witnessed by at least two adult male witnesses or one male and two female witnesses. The witnesses must be of sound mind and should be present at the marriage ceremony to verify the contract's execution. Their presence attests to the authenticity of the marriage and thereby integrates a level of transparency in the process. The concept of Mahr is an integral part of a Muslim marriage. It is a mandatory gift or financial obligation from the groom to the bride, which signifies the husband’s responsibility towards the wife. The amount of Mahr can be stipulated by the bride and may include either a specified sum of money or property. It is due at the time of marriage, though it can be deferred if agreed upon by both parties. The existence of Mahr is crucial as it illustrates the husband's commitment and the significance of the marriage. Both parties must possess the legal capacity to marry, which includes being of sound mind and not within prohibited degrees of relationship. Prohibited degrees refer to close relatives, such as parents, siblings, and so on, with whom marriage is not allowed. The marriage must not violate any legal provisions that limit or prohibit unions based on these relationships. The Nikah Nama, or marriage contract, is a formal document that outlines the details of the marriage, including the obligations of both parties, the agreed-upon Mahr, and other rights. Though not legally mandated, drafting the Nikah Nama serves to simplify any potential disputes in the future and fortifies the legal basis of the marriage. It is also advisable to register the marriage under the Sexual Offences (Prevention) Act if the couple wishes to enhance its legal standing. Although not strictly mandated under Muslim personal law, registering the marriage is highly advisable as it provides a legal record of the union. In India, the Registration of Marriages Act, 1954, allows for the registration of marriage, which can facilitate legal proof in circumstances of disputes involving maintenance or inheritance. We hope this clarifies your query. Please feel free to reach out for further assistance. Thank you.