Witnesses are an essential part of a valid marriage — both in Islam and under Ontario law.
Islamic requirement
According to the majority of scholars, a valid Nikah requires two witnesses. Their presence makes the marriage public and protects the rights of both spouses.
Ontario legal requirement
Ontario also requires two witnesses (aged 18 or older) to sign the marriage licence at the ceremony. Conveniently, the same two people can serve as witnesses for both the Nikah and the legal marriage.
Who can be a witness?
Adults of sound mind who understand what they are witnessing. Family members or friends are perfectly acceptable.
One ceremony, one set of witnesses
When Imam Gomaa Mahdi, a registered marriage officiant in the Province of Ontario, performs your Nikah, your two witnesses satisfy both the Islamic and the legal requirement at once. Contact us to arrange your ceremony.