Is nikaah only valid if it is performed by an Imaam?

Q: Can you let me know in Islam if a nikaah is only valid if it is performed by an imam and if there are witnesses present? Or is the nikaah valid without being performed by an imam and without witnesses or can the couple perform nikaah themselves?

A: The imaam does not have to perform it. However, the one who is performing the nikaah needs to know the procedure of performing the nikaah. And the nikaah that is done in the absence of witnesses is not valid.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)