Numerous Islamic wedding practices occur prior to the formal nuptials, such as the Maulvi, Rukhsati, and Walima rituals. Adhering to these customs is crucial for a successful marriage. If you are considering an Islamic ceremony for your wedding, it's essential to pay close attention to these traditions.
Maulvi
There are many pre-wedding rituals, but the first one is a prayer to Allah to give blessings for a valid marriage. This is called the Ishtikara and is performed in a mosque with the presence of both the bride and groom's parents. The Maulvi reads a short prayer from the Holy Quran and the bride's mother covers her new husband's head with a silk scarf.
Next, the bride and groom are seated together on a stage where the Iman reads some Quranic verses and the Maulvi recites the marriage contract. During the Nikah ceremony, the bride and groom are not allowed to look at each other directly. They are only allowed to look at each other through a mirror.
In the Muslim wedding ceremony, the religious priest, known as the Maulvi, officiates the ceremony. Before the ceremony can begin, the bride and groom must sit separately so that they do not see each other. The groom's family then presents the bride with a more, which is a pre-determined sum of money. At this time, the Maulvi asks the bride if she consents to marry. If she does, she must repeat the word "qubool hai," three times in an affirmative tone, while also saying the same to the groom.
Shaadi
In Islam, Shaadi wedding rituals include a first look ritual and the signing of a marriage contract. The bride and groom will be surrounded by family and friends who will bless them and read a few verses of the Holy Quran. The bride will be asked if she consents to marriage, and she will answer by saying "I do" three times.
The groom's family will handpick the bride's outfit for her Nikah day, and will shower her with gifts. This tradition is known as 'Sanchaq' among those who follow Islam. The bride and groom's families will also take the bride to a mosque for the ceremony.
Another important ritual is the Nikaah ceremony, in which the bride and groom sit together with their heads covered in veil and look at each other through a mirror. After the marriage ceremony, the bride and groom will bid their families farewell. The bride's mother-in-law will give her a Holy Quran to commemorate the occasion. The bride and groom will also have a reception party hosted by the groom's family. The guests will give the couple wedding gifts and wish them a long and prosperous life.
Rukhsati
The dowry ceremony is an important part of Islamic wedding rituals. It outlines the amount that the bride will receive from the groom. This dowry will help the new bride to have freedom and security in the future. The dowry ceremony has two parts, the first part being performed before the wedding is consummated. The second part of the ritual involves the giving of gifts to the bride. Most often, the bride receives a ring.
A couple must be physically present during the ceremony. If the couple cannot be together, the ceremony can be done by a marriage officer. This ceremony is also performed over the telephone. However, in some parts of the world, the bride and groom can still be together during the wedding ceremony.
Rukhsati is a very emotional ceremony for the bride. It is the final goodbye to her parents before she starts her new life as a wife. In some cultures, the bride's parents offer their son's hand to the groom. In Islam, the mother of the groom holds the Qur'an over her daughter-in-law's head to protect her.
Walima
In the Islamic wedding rituals, the first day of marriage is referred to as walima, a time for the couple to celebrate their union and love. The bride and groom invite family members, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Often, the couple will receive gifts from their loved ones at the walima. They may receive a hijab, a model of a mosque, or perfumes. They may also receive Islamic branded wedding outfits.
The ceremony carries a beautiful history and can be traced to the Quran and the Sunnah of Allah's prophet. It is an ideal way for the newlyweds to express their gratitude to Allah, while also publicly announcing their union to the community. It can also be used to celebrate the birth of a new baby or the purchase of a new home.
The wedding ceremony is formalized in Muslim wedding rituals with the Magni function, where both families exchange wedding rings and gifts. Similarly to Hindu Haldi, the Magni function is accompanied by music and dance and carries the symbolic meaning of the bride's bridal glow. During this time, the bride's parents and close family members welcome her.
Laylat Al Henna
In Islam, the ceremony of Laylat Al Henna begins with the bride being escorted from her father's home to the wedding venue by her groom. Usually, a bride is informed of the arrival of her husband in advance. She is also expected to wear her hijab before leaving her father's home. The Qur'an states that one who gets married gains half the faith of another.
This halal ceremony is preceded by the Fatiha ceremony, which involves the bride and groom receiving a blessing. It includes reading from the Qur'an's first surah. Afterward, the newlyweds visit each other's homes and communicate with their respective families. This is a very sacred ceremony that can last for hours. At the end, the bride is given a sweet treat, a kheer.
Most Muslim brides celebrate Laylat Al Henna parties with family and friends. During the celebration, special artists apply red henna paste to the bride's hands and feet. The red color created by the paste is believed to protect the bride and her husband and also creates a bonding experience between the bride and her closest female friends. In addition, many Islamic countries also include similar celebrations for the groom.
Mehar
The primary wedding ceremony is called Mehar in Islam. During this ceremony, the men and women sit around the groom and bride. The bride's father, called Wali, is asked to present the bride with a Mehr in order to ask her consent for the marriage. The Maulvi recites prayer verses from the Quran as he performs this ritual.
The bride and groom sign a marriage contract, and two witnesses are present to witness the signing of the contract. After this, the Maulvi reads verses of the Holy Quran that are equivalent to the marriage vows. The bride and groom need not repeat the vows, but the elders of the family shower blessings on the newlyweds. The ceremony is completed with a dinner and dancing.
The Quran mentions Mehar as "ujoor" (the plural of ajr), which means compensation or reward for something done. In Islamic wedding rituals, Mehar is formally specified in the marriage contract and serves as a guarantee for the bride's financial security. This is especially important for brides who do not own property.
Qazi
The bride wears a yellow dress and is anointed with turmeric paste, which is said to give the bride a natural glow. The bride is accompanied by a married friend until the wedding. During the wedding, there is singing and entertainment. After the wedding, the bride visits her parents. She receives blessings from both her family and relatives. The wedding ceremony ends with a feast.
The groom is seated separately from the bride during the ceremony. During the Ijaab ceremony, the bride's father makes an offer to the groom. The groom proposes to the bride and she accepts. A financial endowment known as Mehar is agreed upon by the groom and bride's families. The groom and bride are then required to sign a religious marriage contract.
A short prayer from the Holy Quran is recited by the Imam during the ceremony. The Imam will also ask the guests to pray for the couple. The newlyweds are then taken to the groom's home and held up to a mirror to look at their reflections. The groom's family will host a reception after the ceremony.
Mehndi ceremony
The Mehndi ceremony in Islam wedding rituals is a part of the wedding ceremony. The newlyweds are brought together and seated on a stage. After the Mehndi ceremony, they are invited to meet family members and relatives and receive gifts. The groom also gives the bride gifts in the form of jewelry, silk, silver coins, or other objects. The newlyweds are then told to recite prayers under the guidance of a Qazi. The couple is not allowed to look at each other directly during this ritual, but can see each other through a mirror.
The ceremony concludes with a signing of the marriage contract between the bride and groom. In the Muslim culture, this contract is usually signed by two witnesses. In addition, the bride and groom are separated by a veil, or hijab. The Maulvi will recite verses from the Holy Quran, which are equivalent to the wedding vows.
