Muslim marriages in India are governed by Islamic personal laws, and there are certain essentials and

legal requirements that must be fulfilled for a valid Muslim marriage. Here are the key essentials of a
Muslim marriage in India:

1. Offer and Acceptance (Ijab-o-Qubool): The marriage contract in Islam is based on the
concept of offer and acceptance. The groom (or his representative) makes an offer (Ijab) to
the bride, and the bride (or her guardian) accepts it (Qubool). This mutual consent is a
fundamental element of a Muslim marriage.

2. Mahr (Dower): The Mahr is a mandatory gift that the groom gives to the bride as part of the
marriage contract. It is a symbol of the husband's commitment to financially support his
wife. The amount and nature of the Mahr are agreed upon by both parties before the
marriage.

3. Legal Age: Both the bride and groom must have attained the legal age of marriage. In India,
the legal age for marriage is 18 years for females and 21 years for males. The age of marriage
can vary by state.

4. Sound Mind: Both parties should be of sound mind and capable of understanding the nature
of the marriage contract. They should give their consent willingly and without coercion.

5. Witnesses: There should be a minimum of two adult Muslim witnesses who can testify to
the marriage contract. These witnesses are usually required to be present at the time of the
marriage ceremony.

6. Wali (Guardian): In most interpretations of Islamic law, a Muslim woman's guardian (Wali) is
required for the marriage to be valid. The guardian's role is to protect the bride's interests
and ensure her consent. The guardian is typically her father, brother, or another close male
relative.

7. Marriage Ceremony: While the specific marriage ceremony can vary among different Muslim
communities and cultures, the marriage should be solemnized through a ceremony that
typically involves the recitation of Quranic verses and prayers. The ceremony is often
performed by an Islamic cleric, but it can also be done by a Qazi (a Muslim judge).

8. Registration: Although not a religious requirement, it is advisable to register the marriage

under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 or under the Muslim Marriage Act, 1939, to obtain
legal recognition and benefits. Registration helps in establishing legal rights and
responsibilities and can be important in various legal matters.

It's important to note that the exact customs and practices related to Muslim marriages may vary
among different Islamic sects and cultural traditions. However, the above-mentioned essentials are
generally applicable to Muslim marriages in India, where Islamic personal laws govern family matters
for Muslim citizens.