Islamic nuptials are characterized by numerous traditional ceremonial practices. Should you be preparing for a wedding within the Muslim faith, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with all the necessary details beforehand.
One of the most important Muslim wedding rituals is Nikah. It's the moment when both the bride and groom agree to marriage.
Arranged Marriage
Arranged marriage is a tradition that is found in most eastern-based cultures. At one time it was also common in western culture. In many cases, the parents of the bride would arrange a marriage for their daughter with the son of a family of equal economic status.
A ceremony is held at a mosque where a Qazi (religious scholar) or an elderly man from the groom's family performs the ritual. A sum of money known as Meher is given to the bride as a token of her independence and rights in the marriage.
The bride and groom then return to the groom's home for Rukhsat, which is a ritual where she gets to meet her mother-in-law and other members of her new family for the first time. She is welcomed with a warm welcome and the Holy Quran is placed on her head.
During this time, the groom and his family may also give her gifts, or offer a meal. These are a gesture of love and honour and serve to reinforce her commitment to the marriage.
This ceremony is followed by a wedding reception, or Walimah. This is a celebration of the newly-married couple's marriage, where the families of the groom and bride come together to celebrate their union with friends and relatives.
Moreover, the discourse on arranged marriage preoccupies itself with notions such as agency, control, freedom to date, freedom to reject a selected candidate and negotiating power. It seems as if these are the qualities that need to be highlighted and demonstrated in order for the arranged marriage system to evolve.
Nikah
Nikah is an important part of a Muslim wedding. It is a legal contract that is signed by the groom and bride, along with two witnesses. It is the first step towards a religiously valid marriage.
The Nikah is usually performed in a mosque, but it can also take place at home or in a nearby marquee or hall. Regardless of where the ceremony is held, it should be attended by close family members and friends.
During the Nikah, a Maulvi (Islamic scholar) or a Qazi (an Islamic judge) conducts the ceremony. Alternatively, an elderly man from among the couple’s relatives can perform it as well.
Before the Nikah, the Maulvi or Qazi asks the couple to give a verbal affirmation of their willingness to marry. This oral questioning is often done three times and once the couple agrees to marry, they sign the contract that legally states their agreement to be married.
The Nikah also involves the declaration of meher, a sum of money that the groom has to pay to his bride out of love and courtesy. This meher is paid in two parts: one prompt payment before the Nikah and a second deferred payment that will be given to the bride throughout their marriage.
After the Nikah, the couple is given a reception. This reception is a chance for the newlyweds to meet their family and friends and to enjoy some time together. The newlyweds are usually showered with gifts from their families.
Rukhsati
Rukhsati is the grand exit of the bride from her parents’ home and into the home of her groom. It is a very emotional moment for the bride and her family, but one that is also full of fun traditions and ceremonies for both sides.
The groom arrives with his baraat – his party of friends and family – to escort his bride and their entourage to their new home together. They say their farewells to their parents and siblings, and then begin their journey with a holy book held over their heads.
This event is often accompanied by a fireworks display to celebrate the happy couple’s journey into married life. It is an occasion where both families come together to wish the couple good luck in their marriage and life ahead, while also celebrating the joy that a Muslim wedding brings.
Once the ceremony has been completed, all guests stand up to hug the couple. This is a common practice at many Muslim weddings, and it is meant to symbolize the bond that the two families share.
A fun tradition for younger guests at South Asian Muslim weddings is the Joota Chupai, which literally translates to “the hiding of the shoes.” Children and close family from the bride’s side of the family playfully steal the groom’s shoes for ransom.
The groom then pays each family member with cash until they return the stolen items. This may seem a little silly, but it’s a fun way to keep the celebration going throughout the rest of the day. The next day, the bride and groom’s family host a Walima reception for their wedding guests to end the days-long celebration.
Ijab-e-Qubool
The Ijab-e-Qubool is the most important part of a Muslim wedding ceremony. It essentially serves as the proposal and acceptance of the groom by the bride, which is crucial for the marriage to be legal. It is performed by a Maulvi, a priest or any other responsible person in the presence of close family and relatives.
One or two days before the wedding, the bride dresses up in yellow finery and a paste made of turmeric, sandalwood and rose-water is applied on her face, hands and feet. All the women of the family gather and participate in this fun-loving event. They apply the paste on the bride and on each other turn by turn.
After the Ijab-e-Qubool, the couple has their first look at each other through a mirror. Afterwards, they go on to their new home where they are welcomed by their mothers-in-law. A Quran is placed on the bride’s head to symbolise her role as a wife.
Usually, this is followed by the Walimah, a public declaration of the marriage. The bride and groom sit on a raised stage during this celebration and greet everyone from both sides of the family. They also serve as hosts for a feast of customary Muslim foods and drinks.
The Ijab-e-Qubool and the Walimah are two of the most important wedding rituals for Muslims. They are both essential for the marriage to be legal and to ensure that the two parties are not guilty of adultery or any other sins. In addition, they help to create a sense of stability for the newlyweds and their families. This is particularly important in Muslim communities, where arranged marriages are more common than traditional ones.
Salatul Ishtikara
Islamic wedding ceremony rituals are a way for Muslim families to bond together. They also help preserve Islamic culture and religion when the family grows and spreads across different regions.
The first of these rituals is called Salatul Istikara and involves the religious head (Iman) of the community performing a prayer asking Allah for guidance for the couple. It is usually performed at the local mosque or religious institution near where the wedding will take place.
After this, the groom’s family visits the bride’s home with gifts of sweets, jewellery and other goodies. The bridal outfit that will be worn at the Nikah is also sent along with these gifts.
This is followed by a second ritual known as Imam Zamin where the groom’s mother visits the bride’s home and carries lots of gifts, sweets and a symbolic gold or silver coin wrapped in a silk scarf. She then ties it around the bride’s wrist to signify her formal acceptance into the new family.
Once the couple has been accepted into their future families, they can finally begin their married lives together. This is a very emotional moment as it involves both the bride and groom saying their vows to each other, which are equivalent to the Christian “I do.”
The Nikah ceremony is another pivotal element of a Muslim Wedding. A religious priest or maulvi officiates the marriage and asks the bride to consent by accepting a pre-determined amount of money. Then he asks her the phrase, “Qubool hai?” thrice in an affirmative tone to confirm her commitment to the marriage.
