Hamza Ali Abbasi breaks silence on performing friend's nikkah

Actor Hamza Ali Abbasi has recently responded to the criticism he faced for performing the Nikah at a close friend's wedding.

A video that went viral some time ago showed Hamza conducting the Nikah ceremony, during which he also asked the groom to declare the Haq Mehar (dower, or the obligatory financial gift a groom is promised to give his bride at the time of marriage).

In a recent podcast interview, Hamza explained, "Performing Nikah or Janazah is basic religious knowledge that every Muslim should have. My friend himself requested me [to conduct his Nikah], so I took up the responsibility." He also clarified that a religious scholar was present at the ceremony to guide him.

Hamza, who has been engaged in the study of Islam for years now, further discussed his spiritual journey during the interview. "What I say is not my personal opinion, but knowledge gained from the Quran, Hadith, and lectures of scholars," he emphasised.

He also revealed that he follows the Ghamdi School of Thought and has made significant moral changes in his life since 2017. He added, "I work within my limits and do not cross any boundaries as per Sharia."

Earlier, social media users were divided over the viral video showing Hamza officiating the Nikah.

The clip featured him reading from a phone and asking the groom if he accepted the bride three times — to which the groom replied, "Qabool hai [I accept]" each time. Hamza responded with, "SubhanAllah [Glory be to Allah]."

While many praised the video, calling Nikah a legal act that any Muslim can conduct, others felt that the moment lacked a certain religious decorum.

"Nikah and funeral prayers can be conducted by any Muslim," wrote one user. Another commented, "It’s a good practice, and not everything needs to be criticised online."

"My Nikah was officiated by my uncle — there's nothing wrong with that," added another.

Others even praised Hamza’s appearance in the video, calling him a “handsome Nikah officiator.”

The video resurfaced just months after Hamza made headlines for publishing his book My Discovery of God: Islam and Judgement Day.

Before that, he had announced embarking on a journey of self-discovery to study religion.

"Alhamdulillah. For now, it is available in the USA only, but soon it will be available globally and in Pakistan. Will keep you all posted. Thank you," he wrote in a social media post announcing the book.

Many congratulated him on the accomplishment, while others posed tough questions — which Hamza welcomed and answered directly.