There is nothing more surreal than Nikkah in Makkah. For many Muslims, starting their married life in the holiest land is a lifelong dream. What can be better than performing an Umrah for the first time with your partner and starting your new life with endless blessings? We are here to help you plan your holy wedding if you want to have a Nikkah in Makkah.
Here is a step-by-step guide for all the UK Muslims who want a holy wedding in the holy city. We will talk about everything from the legal requirements to spiritual preparation and other essential details you must know. So, let’s not waste any time and help you plan your Nikkah ceremony in Makkah, which is also usually combined with Umrah, the voluntary pilgrimage.
Understand the Significance of Nikkah in Makkah
There is so much more to Nikkah in Makkah than just a wedding ceremony. It is a spiritual commitment in the house of the Almighty. You accept a partner with the Almighty as a witness and promise to love each other for the sake of Allah. Nothing is more blessed and magical than tying the knot in the heart of Islam’s holiest sanctuary.
Couples who perform their Nikkah in Makkah believe it is a great way to start their lives with purity and blessings. Moreover, it also symbolises beginning your married life with submission to the Almighty, humility, and gratitude. This exceptional combination will help you grow as good Muslims and have a successful marriage, grounded in faith in the Creator.
Legal and Religious Requirements
Planning Nikkah in Makkah is not difficult. However, proper preparation and an understanding of the legal and religious requirements of the process are required. So, let’s learn about the legal and religious requirements together to help you prepare efficiently.
Legal Documents
Some of the legal documents that you will need for the process include;
- Valid passports and Saudi visas (Umrah or marriage visa)
- Certificate of no objection or single-status certificate (from your embassy)
- Authorised marriage permission (for non-Saudi nationals)
- Identity documents of the bride, groom, and witnesses
Religious Requirements
Now that we know about all the legal documents you will need for a Nikkah in Makkah, let’s discuss some religious requirements, too.
- Consent of both bride and groom
- Presence of the bride’s wali (guardian)
- Two Muslim witnesses (shahideen)
- Agreed mahr (dowry)
As a non-Saudi national, you will need embassy authentication and approval from the Saudi authorities. You can find the updated procedures at the Islamic affairs office in Makkah or by consulting your local embassy.
Choose the Right Venue
This is another crucial step in planning your holy wedding in the sacred city of Makkah. You must know that Nikkahs within Masjid al-Haram are not permitted. Most couples host their Nikkahs in nearby hotels or villas that offer views of the Holy Kaaba. Some of the popular choices of the couples who plan their Nikkah in Makkah include;
- Pullman Zamzam Makkah (elegant suites with Kaaba’s spectacular views).
- Swissôtel Makkah (combines luxury with proximity to Masjid al-Haram).
- Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower (a majestic setting for a blessed ceremony).
Coordinate With an Experienced Sheikh
Sheikh is the licensed Nikkah officiant. Make sure to choose a Sheikh whom the Saudi Ministry of Justice approves. You can ask your hotel or the travel agency to connect you with an authorised and experienced Sheikh. These Sheikhs provide the following services;
- Conduct the Ijab (proposal) and Qabool (acceptance)
- Verify the witnesses and wali’s presence
- Record the mahr
- Recite Quranic verses and offer a dua for the couple
Plan the Ceremony and Celebrations
No doubt it is an essential event in your life, and it is not un-Islamic to celebrate your happiness and such a pure bond. Makkah weddings are all about simplicity and modesty. But you can still celebrate and plan your ceremony modestly to make it more memorable. Let the Nikkah ceremony capture the spiritual essence of the holy city while making your dream ceremony come true with your desired clothing, wedding favours, and a family gathering without lavish displays.
Don’t get carried away in planning your ceremony and celebrations. Understand that simpler weddings attract more blessings. And being at Makkah, you should not forget about humility and simplicity. Enjoy this blessing phase of your life with as much purity and sincerity as possible, without extravagant celebrations.
Combine Your Nikkah With Umrah
Most couples combine their Nikkah with the voluntary pilgrimage, Umrah. If you also want to have such a blessed wedding, make sure to book Umrah packages that will help you perform an Umrah with your partner after the Nikkah ceremony. There is truly nothing more beautiful than this.
After the ceremony, you can enter the state of Ihram together and make an intention to perform the Umrah. This sacred experience creates a spiritual bond and sets the foundation for a marriage centred on faith. It will help you respect and regard your bond even more, bringing you closer to the Almighty together.
Post Nikkah Documentation
Don’t forget about your post-Nikkah documentation. The Sheikh who will officiate your wedding will provide you with a Nikkah certificate. But this doesn’t end here. You will have to get this certificate attested by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, your embassy or consulate, and relevant authorities in your home country if needed for legal recognition.
Also, make sure to keep multiple certified copies. This will help ensure that your marriage is legally recognised both in Saudi Arabia and internationally. It is a crucial step and something you must not neglect or postpone.
Summing Up
Nikkah in Makkah is full of spirituality and purity. It is not like wedding ceremonies conducted anywhere else in the world. You will feel the spiritual essence and blessings in your bond when you get married in the holiest land on earth. And there is nothing better than performing an Umrah with your partner as soon as you get married. There cannot be a better way to start your marriage. If you want to start planning your Nikkah in Makkah soon, it is time that you follow this guide and also start the search for the perfect Umrah packages.
