Saudi Government Permits Muslims to Conduct Nikah in Masjid Al-Haram (Makkah) and Masjid Al-Nabawi (Madina)
The Saudi authorities have allowed the hosting of marriage contracts at Islam’s two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina. This is an initiative by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to enrich the experience of pilgrims and visitors by allowing marriages to be solemnized at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
Marriage officiate Musaed Al Jabri confirmed that performing marriage is permissible at these hallowed places. He cited the occasion when Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) performed marriage ceremony for one of the companion in the mosque itself.
Al Jabri further reported that marriage ceremonies have always been conducted at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina for the past decades, more often in houses with minimal capacity.
The initiative encourages companies to develop innovative ways of arranging a marriage event while remaining cautious about the sanctity of the sites. Marriage events shall be conducted without obstructing the worshippers, and observers are cautioned against having lots of food and beverages at the sacred place to protect the sacred atmosphere.
This initiative will not only present a unique experience to visitors but also retain the spirituality of these holy places. It is in line with efforts by Saudi Arabia to strengthen services for pilgrims while ensuring that the cultural and religious values of the sacred sites remain intact.
