The nikah, known as the "milka" in the Gulf and "katb al-kitab" in the Levant and Egypt, is the moment a marriage formally begins. Because the gathering is usually smaller and closer to family than the wedding party, its invitation needs wording that is warm and refined at once. In this article we have gathered ready-made wording in different styles, which you can copy and adapt with your own names and dates.
What should a nikah invitation include? #
Before the wording, make sure your invitation has the essentials:
- The host or hosts: the father of the groom or bride, or both families together.
- The couple's names, written the way the family prefers.
- The day, date and time, with the Hijri date if that is customary in your family.
- The place, with a clear map link.
- How to RSVP and the deadline.
Religious openings #
Opening with a verse or a dua is a lovely custom in nikah invitations:
"And of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, that you may find tranquillity in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy." (Ar-Rum 30:21)
May Allah bless them, shower His blessings upon them, and unite them in goodness.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. With His blessing, we gather.
Formal nikah invitation wording #
In the name of the groom's father #
Mr Abdulaziz Al-Mansour requests the honour of your presence at the nikah of his son Omar to Rahaf, daughter of Mr Fahad Al-Hudhali, on Friday evening, 10 January 2027, at the family home. Your presence will add to our joy.
In the name of both families #
The Al-Mansour and Al-Hudhali families are honoured to invite you to share their joy at the nikah of Omar and Rahaf, and ask for your presence and your prayers for their happiness.
A short version for the card #
With love, we invite you to the nikah of Omar and Rahaf. Your prayers for them are the finest gift.
Modern, friendly wording #
For friends, or for families who like a simple style:
We have decided to walk the rest of the road together, and we would love you to be with us for this moment: the nikah of Omar and Rahaf.
A moment we have waited for, and we want you close to us for it. Welcome to the katb al-kitab of Omar and Rahaf.
On a blessed day, we write the first line of our story, and having you there completes our joy.
Gulf-style wording for a milka #
God willing, the families of the bride and groom are honoured to invite you to the milka of their son and daughter. Your presence will delight us.
We are pleased to invite you to the milka of Omar and Rahaf. You are family, and this joy is yours too.
Short WhatsApp messages for a nikah invitation #
If you are sending the invitation as a link on WhatsApp, keep the message short and leave the details in the invitation:
Assalamu alaikum. We would be delighted to have you at the nikah of Omar and Rahaf. Here is your invitation, with the date and location: (invitation link)
My dear aunt, our joy wouldn't be complete without you! Your invitation to Omar and Rahaf's katb al-kitab is here: (invitation link)
For the best way to send it, read how to send a wedding invitation on WhatsApp gracefully.
Closing lines for the invitation #
- Your presence will delight us, and your prayers will delight them.
- With you there, our joy is complete.
- Kindly confirm your attendance one week before the date.
- We very much hope to see you.
Tips for a nikah invitation that works #
- Ask both families how names should be written before printing or sending: is the bride's full name written, or is "daughter of ..." preferred? This differs between families and should be respected.
- Keep it short: a nikah invitation is lovelier the simpler it is.
- State the place clearly, especially if it is a home not everyone knows, and attach the map link.
- Say whether the gathering is for women, for men or mixed, if that matters in your family.
- Send it two to three weeks ahead, following the ideal invitation timeline.
From the invitation to the day #
For more wording for the wedding itself, see elegant wedding invitation wording. Once you have chosen your words, you can design a nikah invitation for free in a design worthy of the occasion, add the verse or dua you love, and send it to each guest by name.
Frequently asked questions #
What is the difference between a nikah invitation and a wedding party invitation? #
A nikah (katb al-kitab, or milka in the Gulf) invitation is for the marriage contract itself, which is usually smaller and family-centred. The wedding party invitation is for the celebration, often weeks or months later and with more guests. More in what is a nikah.
Who sends the nikah invitation? #
Usually the groom's father or both families, with the couple named after them. For a small family nikah a warm message from the couple is also common.
How early should a nikah invitation be sent? #
Two to three weeks before is usually enough, since the guest list is smaller and closer to the family. Give guests who travel more notice.
Can I add a Quran verse to a nikah invitation? #
Yes. A short verse about marriage, such as "And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves", is a common opening. Keep it to one verse and check that it is written correctly.
Can the nikah and the wedding be on one invitation? #
Yes, if they are on the same day or the same guests are invited to both. List each event with its own time, and if some guests are invited only to the party, send them a separate invitation.
