Marriage is a hugely rewarding act of worship and a great sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
As well as providing the perfect location for your Nikah Ceremony, Cheadle Masjid has a team on board to help make your day simple and special insha’Allah.
What is a Nikah?
A Nikah is the official Islamic marriage ceremony, binding a couple in a sacred contract as per Islamic law (Shari’ah). It is simple, spiritual, and emphasises mutual consent and responsibilities.
A Nikah is a simple service, where the bride and groom make their commitment to an Islamic marriage through their freely given consent, and the groom gives the bride a dowry (Mahr).
Here are five reasons why the Nikah is so significant:
- It is an act of worship and a prophetic tradition
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The Nikah is from my Sunnah (tradition),” making it an act of worship when performed with the correct intention, and a source of reward. Additionally, Allah states in the Qur’an, addressing the Prophet: “We certainly sent before you many Messengers, and We granted them spouses and offspring.” (Quran: 13:38). This shows that Nikah is not only part of the Sunnah of our Beloved Prophet but was also practiced by the Prophets who came before him.
- It completes half of one’s faith
A famous narration states: “When a servant of God gets married, they have certainly completed half of their Deen (faith).” By entering the blessed union of marriage, one achieves half of their faith. The remainder of the narration encourages us: “Be conscious of God in the remaining half.” Marriage is a partnership that allows both individuals to work together to strengthen and perfect their faith, with their spouse becoming their companion in this spiritual journey.
- It is the ultimate expression of love
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “There is nothing like the Nikah, for two people who love one another.” This powerful narration emphasises that true love is expressed and sanctified through the Nikah. It transforms the bond between two people into something blessed and lawful, marking the true beginning of their life together.
- It formalises and celebrates commitment
Nikah signifies a beautiful, lifelong commitment between two people. The Prophet encouraged us to “Publicise this Nikah,” urging believers to announce and celebrate this joyous occasion. Making the union public not only spreads happiness but also protects the relationship from misunderstandings and negative perceptions by making the commitment clear to all.
- It is one of the signs of Allah’s greatness
In Surah al-Rum, Allah says: “From among His signs is that He created for you spouses that you may reside in peace with one another…” Marriage is one of the miraculous signs of Allah’s creation, as it unites two individuals, often from different backgrounds, in a bond of love and harmony. By adhering to the guidelines of Nikah, couples are promised peace, tranquility, and blessings in their union.
May Allah bless us with spouses who are the coolness of our eyes and help us to become the ideal partners for them. Aameen!
Civil Ceremonies
A Nikah confirms your Islamic Marriage, however, to have your marriage legally recognised in the UK, you must undertake a Civil Ceremony.
Cheadle Masjid is an authorised centre for the solemnisation of Civil Marriages. Uniquely, we have our own in-house civil registrars, allowing couples to complete both their Nikah and Civil Marriage ceremonies at the same time.
You will need to obtain the necessary paperwork from your local registry office before we can undertake the Civil Ceremony, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.
For further information please contact nikah@cheadlemasjid.c2devm.uk or telephone 0161 437 1093
Detailed guidance
To enable Cheadle Masjid to solemnise your Civil Marriage , you are required to give notice of your intention to marry, both of you must attend, in person, to the Superintendent Registrar of the Registration District in which you each live.
- For residents of Stockport, this would be: Stockport Register Office, Town Hall, Stockport, SK1 3XE; Telephone: 0161 217 6007; Website: Getting married or forming a civil partnership – Stockport Council.
- When you contact your local Register office you will need to inform them of your intention to marry and they will make an appointment during which key questions will be asked, including asking about the venue for the Civil Ceremony. For Civil Marriages at Cheadle Masjid, the local Register Office, will send the details to Stockport Register Office.
- After a 29-day period, where the “notice of intention to marry” has been completed , the Registrar’s office will issue a Marriage Schedule confirming details of the couple to be married as well as the location of the Marriage. Cheadle Masjid will collect this Schedule from the Stockport Registrar’s office prior to the Marriage ceremony.
- Once you have given Notice and advised of the date when the Marriage schedule will be available, you can book your Civil Ceremony at the same time as your Nikah.
- In addition to the Bride and Groom, two witnesses will be required (one-from each side).
- Civil Registrations may also be done at Cheadle Masjid separately from the Nikah, which have been conducted offsite.
Nikahs at Cheadle Masjid
A Nikah at Cheadle Masjid is a simple, yet special experience.
Cheadle Masjid’s Unique Aspects
- Facilities: We offer first class facilities in our newly redeveloped Masjid.
- Services to suit you: We offer different options to make your Nikah experience special.
- Leadership: The Masjid’s Imams provide valuable guidance and ensure the ceremony complies with Islamic teachings.
Services
Main Hall: 25-100 people
Side room: Less than 25 people
Welcome board for bride and groom
Civil Ceremony
Décor
Food
Décor / Food - Price on request
*Decor and Food services are not available between October and February. Food service is only available to regular attendees of the Masjid.
Nikah ceremony conducted at a venue of your choice in the local area
Please note the maximum capacity at Cheadle Masjid for a Nikah Service is 100 people.
Please note Cheadle Masjid works with a small number of approved suppliers for both décor and food provisions, and to protect the sanctity of the Masjid facility only these approved suppliers can be used.
For further information please contact nikah@cheadlemasjid.c2devm.uk or telephone 0161 437 1093
Gallery
Steps involved in a Nikah ceremony at Cheadle Masjid
1. Preparation
- Coordination with the Masjid: The couple or their families book the Masjid, coordinating with the administrative team to schedule and plan the event.
- Documentation: Both parties provide required identification and relevant details to ensure the process complies with Islamic and local legal standards.
- Witnesses: The ceremony requires at least two witnesses.
2. Segregation and Modesty
- The masjid maintains Islamic etiquette, with gender segregation typically observed.
- Men and women may sit in separate areas, reflecting the values of modesty and respect.
3. The Ceremony
- Khutbah (Marriage Sermon): The Imam begins the ceremony with a khutbah (sermon), offering advice on the virtues of marriage and its importance in Islam. He quotes relevant Quranic verses and hadith.
- Consent: The Imam asks both the bride and groom for their consent separately. The bride’s wali (guardian) plays a key role in representing her interests.
- Mahr(Dowry): The groom offers a mahr (dowry) to the bride, which is agreed upon beforehand. This gift symbolizes the groom’s commitment.
- Declaration and Signing: The groom and bride agree to the marriage contract in the presence of witnesses. The nikah document is signed by all parties.
- Civil Ceremony (Optional): A short Civil Ceremony is conducted by one our in-house registrars.
- Dua (Supplication): The ceremony concludes with a dua for blessings and the success of the marriage.
4. Post-Ceremony Traditions
- Announcements: The Imam often announces the marriage to the congregation, as public acknowledgment is an Islamic requirement.
- Walima: A reception or celebratory meal may follow, though it can be held on another day. It is a Sunnah (practice of the Prophet ﷺ( to celebrate the union.
Book your Nikah at Cheadle Masjid
Please note the maximum capacity at Cheadle Masjid for a Nikah Service is 100 people.
Please note booking dates are subject to availability.
If you have any questions in the meantime please call 0161 437 1093 or email nikah@cheadlemasjid.c2devm.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Nikah is an Islamic marriage contract between a man and a woman, which is recognised as a religious and legal bond in Islam. The ceremony includes the offer and acceptance of the marriage contract in the presence of witnesses.
The following documents are required for the Nikah:
- Valid identification (e.g., passport, national ID card)
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill)
- For non-British citizens, a valid visa or residence permit
- If previously married, the divorce or widowhood certificate (if applicable)
Yes, in Islam, a woman needs a wali (guardian), typically her father, or a male relative who can act on her behalf. If a wali is unavailable, the Imam at Cheadle Masjid can assist in identifying a suitable guardian.
Nikah ceremonies are typically held during regular mosque hours. However, special arrangements may be made with prior approval from the mosque administration.
The fee for the room booking and Nikah service at Cheadle Masjid is £350 for the main hall and £250 for a smaller side room. This fee covers the administrative costs, the presence of an Imam to conduct the ceremony, and the use of the Masjid space. Any donations to the Masjid are welcome but not required.
If you would like additional décor or food options, please visit this webpage or email nikah@cheadlemasjid.c2devm.uk for more options.
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The balance must be paid 14 days before the ceremony is due to take place. If payments are not received in line with these dates, we cannot ensure your service will take place as scheduled.
The Nikah ceremony at Cheadle Masjid is typically conducted in English, though Arabic phrases may be included, particularly for the marriage contract.
Yes, you are welcome to invite family and friends to the Nikah ceremony. The Masjid can accommodate up to 100 guests.
A minimum of two witnesses (two males or one male and two females) are required for the Nikah. These witnesses should be of sound mind and Muslim. Additional witnesses can be present as well, but the minimum is two.
The Imam will perform the official marriage contract (Nikah) by ensuring the offer and acceptance are made clearly between the bride and groom. He will also offer a short sermon (khutbah) and explain the responsibilities of marriage in Islam.
A Nikah is normally performed between a Muslim man and a Muslim woman. Please contact the Masjid and further guidance can be provided if one party is not a Muslim.
No, the Masjid will provide an official Nikah certificate after the ceremony. The certificate will include details of the bride, groom, witnesses, and the date of the Nikah.
The Masjid provides a space for the Nikah ceremony. If you would like a small food reception to provide hospitality to guests, this can be arranged with one of the Masjid’s approved suppliers.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your Nikah, please email nikah@cheadlemasjid.c2devm.uk as soon as possible. Cancellations are subject to the following charges:
- More that 21 days – 100% refund
- 14-21 days – 50% refund
- Less than 14 days – No refund
The core Nikah ceremony follows Islamic guidelines. Please contact the Masjid at nikahs@cheadlemasjid.c2devm.uk in advance for approval on any traditions you would like.