Knowing the Nikahnama

As marriages evolve in the face of modern challenges, many brides are left vulnerable because they do not understand the legal framework of their union – the Nikahnama. For young women who enter this contract with little knowledge, the consequences can be life-altering, stripping them of rights they never knew they had. Failing to grasp the weight of the Nikahnama leaves women legally unprotected and personally vulnerable.

This gap robs them of their ability to safeguard their futures, often locking them into circumstances they neither chose nor deserve. Having a solid grasp of the Nikahnama empowers women to seek legal recourse when necessary. It can include clauses that protect a woman’s financial security, her independence, and her rights to fair treatment. Parents, religious leaders, and educators must work together to ensure that girls are equipped with this knowledge.

Tania Shahjahan

Kamber Ali Khan