Raipur
In a major step aimed at making Islamic marriage ceremonies more accessible and affordable, the Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has issued a directive capping the fee Imams and Maulanas can charge for conducting nikah (marriage) ceremonies at ₹1,100.
The order, issued by Waqf Board Chairman Dr. Salim Raj, applies to all Waqf-affiliated institutions across the state, including mosques, madrassas, and dargahs. The move follows several public complaints, including a recent case in which an Imam reportedly refused to perform a nikah after being denied a payment of ₹5,100.
Dr. Raj said the decision is intended to bring uniformity to the honorarium system and provide relief to economically weaker families, many of whom find it difficult to afford high ceremonial fees. “For a poor family, ₹5,100 is a significant amount that requires great effort to arrange. This directive is aimed at ensuring that no family is financially burdened during such an important life event,” he stated.
The board has warned that any violation of the order will invite strict action. With over 800 Imams and Maulanas registered across Chhattisgarh, the directive is expected to have a wide impact. Dr. Raj also emphasized that Islamic Sharia advocates simplicity in marriage, and this step aligns with that principle.
He further noted that the decision is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of safeguarding the rights of the underprivileged. Highlighting recent social reforms, Dr. Raj said that the enforcement of the Triple Talaq law has brought significant positive change, with a reported 35 per cent drop in divorce rates and improved quality of life for many Muslim women.
The Waqf Board hopes the new regulation will promote fairness and equality in religious practices while discouraging financial exploitation in the name of tradition.
