Muslim Nikah Invitation Wording: Bismillah, Etiquette & Sample Text

A Nikah invitation opens with the Bismillah — "Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) — set at the very top of the card, usually in Arabic calligraphy, before any other text. This isn't decorative; it's the customary way any formal Islamic document or announcement begins.

Nikah vs Walima — two ceremonies, two cards

Many families send separate cards for the Nikah (the religious marriage contract ceremony, often smaller and more intimate) and the Walima (the wedding reception hosted by the groom's family, traditionally larger). If you're combining both into one event, say so clearly — "Nikah & Walima" — so guests know it's a single visit rather than two separate functions.

Sample wording

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem. With the blessings of Allah, Mr. & Mrs. Imran Sheikh request the honour of your presence at the Nikah ceremony of their daughter Ayesha Fatima with Arsalan Ahmed, son of Mr. & Mrs. Tariq Ahmed.

For the Walima card, the wording usually shifts to reflect the groom's family as host, since Walima is traditionally hosted by the groom's side: "Mr. & Mrs. Tariq Ahmed request the pleasure of your company at the Walima reception of their son Arsalan with Ayesha Fatima."

Including a Quranic verse or Hadith

Many Nikah cards include a short verse about marriage, most commonly from Surah Ar-Rum (30:21), which speaks of spouses being created for each other so that they may find tranquility. This is typically placed either just under the Bismillah or just above the RSVP line, in a smaller italic font, with a translation alongside the Arabic if the card is bilingual.

Etiquette notes

• Avoid images of the bride and groom's faces on the card itself if the families observe purdah — use calligraphy, crescents, or geometric Islamic patterns instead (this is exactly why ShadiCardMaker's Muslim templates default to arabesque borders and lantern motifs rather than photos).
• Double-check the transliteration of Arabic phrases — small spelling errors in "Bismillah" or Quranic references are noticed and considered disrespectful.
• If mentioning the Nikah time, many cards separate "Nikah" and "Valima/Reception" times clearly since guests may attend only one.

ShadiCardMaker's Nikah templates come with the Bismillah line, a customizable blessings section, and space for both Nikah and Walima timings, in emerald-and-gold or midnight-and-gold arabesque frames.