Attending Muslim weddings is not only enjoyable but also provides an opportunity to dive into a deep cultural and traditional heritage. The intricate details of these weddings add to their distinctiveness and memorability.
The Ijab-e-Qubool is one of the most important rituals of a Muslim wedding. This involves the bride and groom seated behind a hijab to give their consent for the marriage.
The Nikah
The Nikah is one of the most important parts of an Islamic wedding. It’s a ritual that binds two people together and makes them husband and wife for life. It can be a big event or a more intimate one with the couple and their families present to bear witness.
The ceremony begins with a recitation of the Quran, the Muslim holy book. This is done by a religious scholar or a Qazi, the mosque’s officiant. In addition, a father or another male relative can also perform the Nikah on behalf of the bride.
Once the recitation is complete, the two people who are going to be married sign a document called an Aqd-Nikah that states their marriage will be legal in both civil and religious law. These documents must be signed by both the bride and groom and two male witnesses.
As part of the Nikah, the groom also gives his bride a sum of money, which is called meher. This is paid in two parts, the first of which is due before the Nikah. The second portion of meher is given after the wedding and can be a monetary gift or something else precious to the bride, such as jewelry.
It’s best to talk to your betrothed about the Mahr before the Nikah so that you can discuss how much you would like to give and what your families might expect in terms of what you will give. This will help you ensure that everything runs smoothly and that the wedding is as perfect as it can be.
The Shaadi
The Shaadi, the Islamic version of a wedding reception, is an exciting and highly celebrated part of any Islamic ceremony. It usually takes place after the Rukhsat and is a wonderful opportunity for families to get to know each other.
The groom sets out from his home with a beautifully decorated car and is escorted by his relatives and friends. This procession is known as the baraat and is a loud and magnificent affair!
After reaching the venue, the groom and his relatives are welcomed by a large number of people. These include family members, bridesmaids and close friends of the bride.
As they enter, the groom is given a glass of rose water. This is a tradition that dates back to the ancient days.
Next, the bride's parents make a special promise to the groom during the Nikah ceremony. They commit to protect the couple and to always be there for them. They also pray for children, health and prosperity.
At the end of the Nikah, the groom and bride sign a contract that will legally bind them together as husband and wife. This is the most important part of an Islamic marriage.
After the Nikah, it is common for the groom to present a gift of clothes to his future wife. He may also present a gold or diamond ring, or an expensive piece of jewellery. The groom's gifts are a symbol of his gratitude for the new life that is about to be created.
The Walimah
The Walima, also known as the marriage banquet, is one of the most important and essential ceremonies in Islamic weddings. It is held after the nikah ceremony and is meant to be a celebration of domestic happiness post-marriage.
The ceremony is a Sunnah of our beloved Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) and it is an outward articulation of appreciation and joy that has been greatly promoted by Islam. It is an excellent method for publicizing the couple’s new status and it also serves as a means of promoting happiness among their relatives and friends.
Traditionally, this ceremony is held at the bride and groom’s residence; however, they may choose to have it at another venue as long as it can accommodate their guests. This is a great way to save on money and time when planning the event.
In addition to that, it is important to select a venue that is reputable and convenient. This can be a function hall or a traditional mosque.
It is also important to remember that Islam frowns on extravagant and over-the-top walimas. This is because it reflects a high level of moral decadence that deviates from the religion’s principles.
In South Asian Muslim weddings, a fun tradition that younger guests engage in is called the Joota Chupai, which translates to “hiding of the shoes.” During this part of the ceremony, children and close family members from the bride’s side playfully steal the groom’s shoes and hold them for ransom. The groom will then have to pay them back with cash to see his shoes again.
The Chauthi
The Chauthi is the last event that takes place in a typical Muslim wedding. It takes place either on the day or on the fourth day after the wedding ceremony. It is a grand feast organized by the bride's family which includes a lot of delicacies. The newly married couple is treated to this meal and showered with gifts.
After a few days, the newly-weds visit their parent's house. This is a very emotional event as the bride visits her parents for the first time after marriage. This is an important occasion as it helps the couple get accustomed to their new life as husband and wife.
During this ceremony, the couple is given a Mehr (a pre-decided amount of cash) from their families. This gift is then given to the bride.
Next, the couple is asked to sign a Nikahnama, which contains a set of rules that must be followed by both parties. This is done in presence of two witnesses from both the sides.
After signing the Nikahnama, the Maulvi recites Khutba, which is a religious discourse. Then, the groom and bride are given a chance to look at each other through a mirror. This is a very romantic part of the ceremony as the couple finally gets a chance to see each other's reflection. This is also a good opportunity for the couple to bond as a married couple before they start their new lives together.
The Arsi Mushraf
Arsi Mushraf is one of the most important rituals in an islamic wedding. It involves the bride and groom laying eyes on each other for the first time after the marriage is official. They sit next to each other with their heads covered and are given a mirror where they can see their reflections.
This ceremony takes place in the bride’s home and is a symbol of acceptance into the new family. She’s welcomed by her mother in law and is given a gift of the Holy Quran as a reminder of her responsibilities as a wife.
After this, she’s escorted to her husband’s home by her mother in law. She’s then introduced to her husband’s family members and is given a welcome meal.
The Arsi Mushraf is a very beautiful and special ritual in an Islamic wedding. It is a chance for the couple to look at each other through a mirror, with the Holy Quran in between them.
It’s also when the groom gives his bride a gift. This can be money, a ring or even property.
At the end of the Arsi Mushraf, the couple signs their nikahnama, or marriage contract. It lists all the rules and duties that are expected from them as a couple.
There are a few other post-wedding ceremonies that the newly married couple must attend. These include the Rukhsat, Walimah and Chauthi.
The Rukhsat
Rukhsat (meaning the consummation of marriage) is a wedding ceremony that takes place a few hours after the nikah. It marks the final stage of the Islamic wedding process and is a crucial part of Muslim culture.
It is a formal contract that legally seals the two individuals in marriage. The groom and bride sign a contract together, in the presence of at least two witnesses from their respective families. Then, a Khutba is read, followed by the marriage vows in the Quran.
After this, elders perform durud, or blessing, on the couple. They also gift the couple with mahr, which is a required amount of money that the groom has to give his wife as part of the marriage contract.
Afterwards, the groom and his family host a feast for their guests. They celebrate their wedding with traditional music, dance and a whole lot of fun.
The groom then leads his bride to his house for the first time. Here she meets his mother-in-law, who places a copy of the Quran above her head to remind her of her duties as a wife.
This ritual is the last stage of the Shadi and the bride waves goodbye to her family. After a lot of tears she leaves for her new home, her husband's house and is greeted by the groom's party waiting to take her away.
