Nikaah at BIS Masjid

Nikaah is an important part in the lives of Muslims. Since Nikaah is an act of worship, scholars are of the opinion, that it is not only permitted but is recommended to conduct it inside a masjid.

However, Nikaah ceremonies, when conducted inside masjid should still conform to the etiquettes of a masjid and should not violate principles of sanctified spaces. In view of the above, the following points should be borne in mind by the community members who intend to have Nikaah performed at the masjid.

1. Location: The nikah will be performed in the main prayer hall. The requirement of strict gender segregation is still to be maintained. The only exception is given to non-muslim women, who for the purpose of paying close attention to Khutbah are allowed to come to the men's side.


2. Marriage Certificate: Officiating Imam will provide a Islamic marriage certificate and BIS Masjid will retain a copy for record keeping.


3. Wali: The presence of a guardian (wali) for the bride is required.​ The bride’s father is considered her wali by default.​
   In his absence, the officiating Imam will guide the couple in determining an appropriate alternative.​Two male witnesses must be present during the nikah.​ These can be attendees from the community


4. Food and Beverages: No food is allowed to be served in the main hall, except refreshments. Marrying couples would need to provide volunteers for managing and serving food and BIS Masjid volunteers will NOT be available for serving food. Boxed refreshments are suggested for guests as it results in less clean up efforts. Any paper products / drinks / cups etc. to be used for serving refreshments would need to be provided by the wedding party.


5. Clean up: The premises (both inside and outside) will need to be cleaned up AFTER the Nikaah ceremony is completed by the marriage party. Since bathrooms (on both men's and women's side) are more likely to be misused and left in a unclean state, it is recommended to post attendants outside the bathrooms to keep things in order. Please work with masjid administration to arrange for this.


6. Photography & videography: Inside the BIS Masjid, these are allowed with the following conditions:​
   ~ Male photographers/videographers in male sections​ only.
   ~ Female photographers/videographers in female section only.
   ~ Please note that photography or videography of any females and children in the masjid who are not part of the wedding party is strictly prohibited.


7. Number of Guests: Our masjid's official occupancy limit is 320 persons (both men and women combined). However due to parking limitations, our Jumuah attendance has been around 250 persons. Any number of guests over 150 would cause parking issues. These numbers need to be considered when inviting guests.


8. Parking: Masjid parking would be used for guests, and finding over flow parking is responsibility of guests. However, USPS parking can NOT be used for Nikaah ceremonies. There can be NO double parking within the masjid parking lot and the entrance to be masjid parking should be kept open and without any blocking cars. Wedding party would need to post a parking volunteer to ensure the above. Since masjid has only 85 parking spots, car-pooling is highly recommended.


9. Disruption in services: Other masjid events and Salaah cannot be disrupted due to the Nikaah event. Guests are requested to clear the premises, promptly after the event.


10. Decorations: No additional decorations, Banquet tables, Chairs are allowed within the masjid premises. Balloons, party items, festive decorations are NOT allowed to be put up for the Nikaah event.


11. Dress Code: Guests, both Muslim and Non-Muslim, are required to follow modest dress code, in keeping with the requirements of a place of worship.


12. Damages to Masjid Property: Any damage caused to the masjid property / fixtures during the event, would be the responsibility of the wedding party.


13. Fire Alarms: Children need to be instructed to stay clear of Fire Extinguishers and Fire Alarm devices. Any sounding of fire alarm would trigger a visit by Westborough Fire Deparment. If the alarm turns out to be false, it results in imposition of fine, which will be borne by the wedding party.