If you're gearing up for a Muslim wedding ceremony, chances are you have quite a few inquiries about how it all works. Don't worry, we're here to address any questions you might have and assist in ensuring your special day is as wonderful as possible!
First, you'll need to understand how the ceremony works. You'll need to know what you and your betrothed can and cannot do.
Arsi Mushraf
During an Islamic wedding ceremony, there are several steps that need to be followed. The first step is the Ijab-e-Qubool, where the groom and bride are asked to say 'Qubool Hai' three times to give their consent for marriage. This step is considered to be the most important part of the entire process.
After Ijab-e-Qubool, the official wedding contract or nikah nama is signed in front of two witnesses from each side of the couple. This contract outlines all the duties and rules of the wedding.
The Maulvi then recite the Khutba, a religious discourse that explains what the couple has to do in their married life. It is also a time for the family to present their gifts to the bride and groom as well.
A dowry is one of the main gifts that are presented to the bride during this stage. This can be anything from money to property.
Another important pre-wedding ritual is Rukhsat, where the bride says goodbye to her family and sets off for her husband's home. This is a very emotional moment for the bride and her family because she's leaving behind everything that she's ever known.
In this ritual, the bride's mother-in-law welcomes her with warmth and places a Quran on her head to remind her of her duties as a wife. She is also presented with a gift, usually from her father-in-law.
The next step is the Walimah, which is a grand reception party that includes dancing and gifts. It is a public announcement of the newlyweds' marriage. This is a very special occasion for the bride and groom, as they are treated like royalty.
Ijab-e-Qubool
The Ijab-e-Qubool is one of the most important steps in an islamic wedding ceremony. It is done in front of a Maulvi who asks the bride and groom if they want to marry each other. The bride and groom have to say the word ‘Qubool Hai’ thrice to give their consent.
The Maulvi may also ask them to say it in an authoritative and positive tone. If the bride and groom do not want to get married, they may have someone else do the Ijab-e-Qubool for them. This person may be the groom’s father or a relative of the groom’s family.
Once the Ijab-e-Qubool has been done, the couple will be seated separately from each other in a room. The Maulvi will recite the Quran, and then he asks the bride to respond with the words “Qubool Hain?” three times. The groom will then respond with the same words.
After this, the Maulvi will then ask both of them to sign the Nikahnama, which is an official marriage contract. This document outlines all of the obligations that the couple must meet as they start their lives together. This is a legal binding contract between the two parties and it must be signed with at least two witnesses from each side.
Another important step in an islamic wedding ceremony is the Rukhsati, which is the day the bride leaves her home to live with her husband. The family is usually sad to see their daughter leave, but she has to go and start her new life with her husband.
During this day, members of the groom’s family visit the bride’s house and present her with gifts of sweets, fruits, jewelry, etc. She also receives the bridal outfit she will wear on her wedding day. Some families send her cosmetics, perfumes and toiletries.
Nikah
The Nikah is the first step in a Muslim wedding ceremony. This ceremony binds the bride and groom together, and it is also a celebration of their union. It is traditionally held at a mosque and involves several steps that may vary depending on the bride's and groom's culture and religion.
1. The couple must agree to marry each other of their own free will and without being pressured by family members or others. In some instances, the couple's parents can be present to witness their decision, but this isn't always required.
2. The marriage must be sharia-compliant, meaning it must meet all the Islamic laws for marriage. For example, a woman must be able to afford a dowry for the man she is marrying.
3. The bride must give her consent to the marriage in a manner that is acceptable to the imam or officiant performing the ceremony. Usually, the officiant will recite a couple of verses from the Quran and deliver a short sermon, or khutba, on the meaning of marriage.
4. The couple must sign a written marriage contract ("Aqd-Nikah"), witnessed by two adult and sane witnesses. This document will be publicly announced, making the marriage legal.
5. The couple must receive a blessing from the officiant to conclude their Nikah ceremony. This ceremony is a time for the couple to celebrate their new life as a married couple and share their love and support with their families and friends.
The nikah is often the most memorable part of a islamic wedding. It is the first step in a couple's commitment to each other, and it is important for both parties to have their say in this process.
Walimah
The walimah, or wedding banquet, is an essential islamic wedding ceremony. It is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). It is a way for the newlyweds to show their gratitude to their Lord and publicize their marriage.
The bride and groom’s families plan the walima, sending invitations to their relatives, friends, and neighbors. This is done so they can congratulate the couple and wish them good fortune in their new journey together.
It is a tradition in islam to invite people from all social groups and economic levels. However, scholars have mentioned that it is not necessary to invite everyone on the same day.
Rather, it is better to invite family-members, relatives, friends, associates, scholars, and pious people. They are the ones who are most likely to attend a walima and who can help you prepare for the event.
In addition to sending invitations, the bride and groom should also provide guests with food. This will help them feel at home and a part of the family. It will also help them get to know more about the wedding couple.
A wedding reception is often a major expense for the bride and groom. The couple should plan accordingly and make sure they stay within their budget.
One of the ways to do this is by hiring a wedding planner who will help them organize the walima and ensure that all expenses are covered. They will also assist with the venue selection and ensure that the event runs smoothly.
The walima is an important part of an islamic wedding ceremony and can help make the day even more special for the bride and groom. It is a way for the couple to express their gratitude to their Lord and share in the joy of their new life together.
Chauthi
A typical Indian-Muslim wedding consists of multiple events that take place before the marriage day. Among them is the Chauthi which concludes all of the wedding rituals and brings together both families.
The first step of this ceremony is the Ishtikara or the visit of the groom's mother to the bride's home. This is an important ritual in a traditional Muslim wedding, as it signifies the formal acceptance of the bride into her future family. She brings gifts and sweets and a gold coin or silver wrapped inside a silk scarf that is tied around the bride's wrists.
This is one of the most exciting steps of the Islamic wedding. It is a big event in itself and usually involves a host of horseback riders, camels, elephants and even today, helicopters.
It is a huge spectacle and one of the most fun parts of any Indian-Muslim wedding. It is a great way for the bride to get acquainted with her new in-laws, and also for them to see how well she is fitting into their family.
After this, she bids adieu to her family and heads for her husband's house. She is given a warm welcome by her in-laws and the Holy Quran is placed on her head as a reminder of her duties.
The next major step of this ceremony is the Baraat. This is a grand exit from the wedding venue for the bride and her groom to their new homes as newlyweds. It is a great way for the guests to show their support to the newlyweds and for them to see how well the couple is fitting into their families.
Another major part of the wedding is the Rukshat or the departure of the bride from her parents' home. It is a very emotional ceremony as the bride bids adieu to her parents and other family members, and leaves for her new life as a wife. The groom then escorts her to her new house, with his friends and relatives.
