Should you be organizing an Islamic wedding, it's essential to observe specific customs and ceremonies. These encompass Sehra bandhi, Valima, Maayon, and Rukhsati rituals. Adhering to these traditional practices will enable you to experience a memorable wedding day. This article aims to guide you through preparing for the ceremony and understanding the significance of these traditions.
Sehra bandhi
The Sehra Bandhi is a traditional Indian custom. The groom wears a multi-stranded garland that covers his face. It is tied to his turban by his sister-in-law. She also applies eyeliner to the groom's eyes, believed to ward off evil spirits. Several sisters perform the ceremony, and all the guests sing a song associated with Sehra.
The tradition of wearing a Sehra Bandhi is rooted in Mughal Muslim culture of Northern India. Sikh grooms have used flower strands on their turbans since the time of Guru Govind Singh, who adopted Punjabi Muslim customs. Mughal kings have also been patrons of the tradition, wearing elaborate head gear and precious stones.
The groom is usually not allowed to see his bride before the wedding. Hence, he wears a ghunghat, which hides his face from the eyes of the guests. This tradition is more prevalent in North India. Sehras are an essential part of a Muslim wedding.
This ceremony is performed five days before the wedding. During the five days prior to the wedding, the bride and groom's family and relatives welcome them. The bride's mother carries a gold or silver coin wrapped in a silk scarf. This ritual is believed to rid the family of evil spirits, thus casting away bad luck.
Rukhsati
The rukhsati is a traditional Islamic wedding ceremony that marks the end of the wedding celebration. During the rukhsati, the bride is led out of the ceremony by the groom and his baraat. A copy of the Quran is placed over the bride's head to symbolize the bestowal of blessings. As the bride leaves the ceremony, family and friends give her hugs. During this time, the bride may cry, because she is leaving her family and friends.
The Imam will then ask the bride and groom to repeat their wedding vows. The bride must say, "qabool hai," or "I accept." After the bride has recited her vows, the Imam will then ask the couple to sign a religious marriage contract.
Rukhsati at a Muslim wedding is one of the most important aspects of the wedding. This is when the bride leaves her parents' home and goes to her husband's home. It is extremely important to perform this ceremony as soon as possible. In modern society, a delayed Rukhsati is not favored. Unlike other types of weddings, however, a delayed Rukhsati does not affect the Nikah.
Valima
A sehra for a Muslim wedding is the first step in the marriage ceremony. The bride and groom leave their homes and the groom's family holds a Quran above the bride's head. The bride's family then extends Rukhsat, or the hand of blessing, to the newlyweds.
During this ceremony, two witnesses are required. The bride and groom do not repeat their wedding vows, but a Maulvi reads the Holy Quran verses equivalent to their marriage vows. The elders of the families then shower blessings on the newlyweds. This ceremony is followed by the wedding reception.
The ceremony also includes a Mehndi ceremony. The groom and bride-to-be are usually welcomed by the bride's family when they reach the reception venue. A dowry is presented to the bride and groom and this payment represents their respect and love for each other. It also represents a valuable asset for the bride in the event of divorce.
Sehras have been part of Islamic culture for centuries. In the Mughal era, the Mughal emperors wore elaborate headgears studded with precious stones. This practice has continued in the Islamic tradition.
Ijab-e-Qubool
Ijab-e-Qubool is a Muslim wedding ceremony where the newly-weds are blessed by the Imam of the mosque located nearby. The couple is then shown their reflections in a mirror placed atop the Quran. The Imam recites religious prayers and then asks Allah to bless them in their new life together.
Both the bride and groom sign a document stating their intentions to become husband and wife. The groom also presents money to the bride's sisters and elders. After the ceremony, dinner is served separately for men and women. The couple then reads a prayer together. However, only the newlyweds can see each other through the mirrors.
After the marriage, the couple will visit each other's families. The groom's family traditionally approaches the bride's family and gives her beautiful gifts. The bride's family will sometimes give her a new sari or a ring. This jewelry is considered an engagement ring.
Ijab-e-Qubool is the most important part of the marriage ceremony. In addition to the bride and groom accepting each other's marriage proposal, the elders of both families decide how much dowry is given. In addition, at least two witnesses must be present at the wedding ceremony. A male relative who can be trusted to protect the bride is also required to act as the bride's guardian.
Mehndi
A Mehndi ceremony is a traditional Islamic ceremony. It is usually done on the bride the day before the wedding. The bride is adorned with henna or mehndi. She is not allowed to leave the house until the wedding is over. The groom travels to the venue either on horseback or in a car. His family and friends will accompany him on the wedding procession. They will bring gifts for the bride and the groom's family. In some cases, the bride's brother will accompany him and he will share a sherbet.
After the Mehndi ceremony, the newlyweds will visit the parents' home four days after the wedding. They will be welcomed by their new families. The groom's family will offer their bride the gift of Rukhsat, which is the traditional blessing from the bride's family. After this ceremony, the newlyweds will visit the mother's house and seek blessings from the elders.
The Mehndi ceremony is one of the most exciting parts of a Muslim wedding. During this ceremony, the bride's hands and feet are adorned with henna paste, a paste that gives her a natural glow. She is then decorated with beautiful Arabic Mehndi designs. In some traditional Muslim families, the darker the henna, the happier her marriage will be.
Ring-finding
Whether to wear a wedding ring or not is an important decision for Muslim couples. Though western cultures often use wedding rings to announce a marriage, Islam often views them as personal accessories. While wearing a wedding ring does not mean a man is married, some women wear them as a symbol of their devotion and love.
Before the wedding, the bride's family will greet the groom and his family with flowers. The actual Islamic ceremony takes place in a separate room, or "Nikkah." The ceremony is conducted by an "Imam" who performs the wedding ritual. Both the bride and groom must be witnessed by two witnesses who are familiar with them. The bride and groom then exchange rings, and the ceremony is over.
In general, it is not acceptable to wear wedding rings on the right hand, but the left hand is acceptable for the seal ring. Islamic teachings strongly discourage pride, which leads to egoism. In addition, extreme pride is viewed as a hindrance to self-actualization, and people with too much pride are setting themselves up for failure. As such, wearing or exchanging a wedding ring is not permissible according to Islamic scripture.
