Muslim Wedding Card Matter (Nikah & Walima)
A Muslim wedding card usually opens with "Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful), often followed by a verse such as Surah Ar-Rum 30:21. The bride's family invites guests to the Nikah, adding "Insha'Allah" before the date, and the groom's family sends a separate card for the Walima reception.
Openings for the top of the card
The Bismillah is written in Arabic calligraphy, in English, or both. A Quranic verse about marriage is a popular second line.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
"And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts." — Surah Ar-Rum (30:21)
With the blessings of Allah (SWT)
"And We created you in pairs." — Surah An-Naba (78:8)
Nikah invitation from the bride's family
The Nikah card is traditionally sent by the bride's parents. "Insha'Allah" (if Allah wills) is placed before the date or time.
[Bride's parents] request the pleasure of your company on the auspicious occasion of the Nikah of their daughter [Bride's name] with [Groom's name] (son of [Groom's parents]) Insha'Allah on [Date] after Isha prayer [Venue], [City]
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem With the grace of Allah [Bride's parents] cordially invite you and your family to the Nikah ceremony of their beloved daughter [Bride's name] with [Groom's name] Insha'Allah [Date] at [Time] [Venue], [City] Dinner to follow
We seek your duas and the honour of your presence at the Nikah of our daughter [Bride's name] with [Groom's name], S/o [Groom's parents] Nikah: [Date], [Time] (Insha'Allah) [Venue], [City] — [Bride's parents]
Dawat-e-Walima from the groom's family
The Walima is the reception hosted by the groom's family after the Nikah, and is a Sunnah. It usually gets its own card.
Dawat-e-Walima [Groom's parents] request the pleasure of your company at the Walima reception of their son [Groom's name] with [Bride's name] (daughter of [Bride's parents]) [Date] at [Time] [Venue], [City]
Alhamdulillah! With joy and gratitude [Groom's parents] invite you to the Walima of [Groom's name] & [Bride's name] [Date] · [Time] onwards [Venue], [City] Your presence will make our happiness complete.
Mehndi, Manjha and other functions
South Asian Muslim weddings often include Manjha (Mayun) and Mehndi before the Nikah, and a Rukhsati when the bride leaves with her husband.
Manjha / Mayun [Date] · 4:00 PM Wear yellow and join the haldi-ubtan ceremony for the bride.
Mehndi [Date] · 7:00 PM onwards An evening of henna, dholki and songs.
Nikah [Date] · after Isha prayer (Insha'Allah) [Venue], [City]
Rukhsati [Date] · following the Nikah
Walima [Date] · [Time] Hosted by the groom's family
Closing lines
Muslim cards commonly close with a request for duas and the names of family members who await the guests.
Please remember the couple in your duas.
Mushtaq-e-Deed (eager to see you): [Family names]
With best compliments from All relatives and friends
RSVP: [Name] · [Phone] Full details: [Invitation link]
For diaspora families and international guests
Muslim families in the UK, US, Canada and the Gulf often invite guests from different backgrounds. A short explanation of each event helps.
Nikah: The Islamic marriage contract, witnessed by family and led by an imam. It is usually short — about 30–45 minutes.
Walima: The wedding feast hosted by the groom's family after the Nikah, celebrating the marriage with the community.
Mehndi: A lively evening of henna, music and dholki — bright colours encouraged!
Guests are kindly requested to dress modestly; women may wish to bring a scarf for the Nikah if it is held in a mosque.
Seating is arranged separately for men and women at the Nikah; the Walima will have family seating.
Short Nikah and Walima messages for WhatsApp
Assalamu alaikum! Alhamdulillah, the Nikah of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] will be held Insha'Allah on [Date] at [Venue], [City]. We would be honoured by your presence and duas. Details: [Invitation link]
Assalamu alaikum! You are warmly invited to the Walima of [Groom's name] & [Bride's name] on [Date] at [Time], [Venue]. Please remember the couple in your prayers. [Invitation link]
Etiquette tips
- Keep the Nikah and Walima on separate cards (or separate pages of a digital invitation) — they are hosted by different families and often on different days.
- Ask your local masjid or qazi for the Nikah timing before printing; it is often scheduled around Maghrib or Isha prayer.
- If you print Arabic calligraphy or Quranic verses, ask guests to dispose of cards respectfully — a digital invitation avoids this concern entirely.
- For a daughter's card, Urdu-speaking families sometimes add "Ba-Farhat" (with joy) before the hosts' names.
- Mention segregated seating or a family section if your venue has one, so guests can plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is written at the top of a Muslim wedding card?
"Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem" — in Arabic, English or both — meaning "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful". Many families add a verse about marriage such as Surah Ar-Rum 30:21.
Who sends the Nikah card and who sends the Walima card?
The bride's family traditionally hosts and sends the Nikah invitation, while the groom's family hosts the Walima reception and sends that card.
Where should Insha'Allah go on the invitation?
Place "Insha'Allah" (if Allah wills) just before the date or time of the Nikah, for example "Insha'Allah on Friday, 12 March after Isha prayer".
Is it okay to send a Muslim wedding invitation on WhatsApp?
Yes, and many families prefer it because printed cards with Quranic verses need to be disposed of respectfully. A digital invitation can carry the same verses, both events, and an RSVP for each.