We are from a sunni (Hanaf\u012b<\/em>) family. My daughter wants to marry a Sh\u012b\u2018\u012b boy which we have finally agreed upon. Now the issue is, that the boy’s family is insisting on a Sh\u012b\u2018\u012b nik\u0101h<\/em>. My family says even if they have the Sh\u012b\u2018\u012b nik\u0101h<\/em> we must have the sunni nik\u0101h<\/em> also. But the boy’s family says that their religious guide (mowlv<\/em>\u012b) is against 2 nik\u0101hs<\/em> and there should only be one nik\u0101h<\/em> and obviously a Sh\u012b\u2018\u012b one. Is there a need to have the sunni nik\u0101h<\/em> also. Are there such differences in the nik\u0101hs<\/em> that the Sh\u012b\u2018\u012b nik\u0101h<\/em> will not be counted as a nik\u0101h<\/em>? Chances are if we insist on it, it is just going to strain the relationship. But we also don’t want to do something that is wrong. Is sunn\u012b nik\u0101h<\/em> actually a requirement or the Sh\u012b\u2018\u012b Nik\u0101h<\/em> is sufficient. An urgent response will be appreciated so that we can sort this thing.<\/p>\n Expressions like Sh\u012b\u2018\u012b Nik\u0101h<\/em> or Sunni Nik\u0101h<\/em>, like the titles Sh\u012b\u2018\u012b and Sunni are all innovations and have nothing to do with Islam. Nik\u0101h<\/em> simply means open statement of a man and a woman to express their willingness and intention to marry each other. The statements are pronounced by the couple themselves or through their representatives and normally in front of witnesses. As long as the statement carries the above mentioned message clearly it will not matter in what language, form or words it is stated. What are known as Hanafi Sunni Nik\u0101h<\/em> and Sh\u012b\u2018\u012b Nik\u0101h<\/em> are all legitimate and they are quite similar to each other, either of them can be used to marry the couple.<\/p>\n Answered by:<\/strong> Farhad Shafti<\/p>\n Date:<\/strong> 2015-03-28<\/p>\nAnswer<\/h3>\n