An Islamic wedding reception is the festivity occurring post the marriage ritual, referred to as the nikah. Grasping the importance of this event is crucial for those organizing a Muslim matrimonial celebration.
The Islamic marriage feast, also called the Walima, is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him). It is an outward expression of gratitude and pleasure and a great means of publicizing the marriage.
The Walima
The Walima, or wedding feast, is one of the most significant aspects of an Islamic wedding. The groom and his family plan and organize this ceremony. It is an outward expression of their gratitude and pleasure to Allah for the wedding, a unique method for publicizing their marriage, and a Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
In Islam, the walima celebration is a time for the couple to invite their loved ones. It is a way for the bride and groom to show their appreciation to the people who have been there for them since their childhood. It is also a chance for them to bond with their families and friends.
It is a beautiful tradition that Muslims have followed for centuries. It is a great way to celebrate a new beginning. It is also an opportunity for the couple to show off their newly-wed outfits and accessories. The bride and groom often wear gorgeous dresses that were gifted to them by their in-laws for the occasion.
Traditionally, the walima celebration is centered around food. During this part of the event, guests are served delicious meals prepared by the wedding chefs. These menus are specially arranged according to Islamic customs. They also include sweets, fruits, and other delicacies. The food is served in an elegant setting.
After the meals are served, guests can indulge in dancing and other entertainment. They can also play games with their friends and family. The walima is an important time for the couple to bond with their loved ones and make memories together.
Another important aspect of the walima celebration is that it should be within the couple’s budget. This is essential, as it is frowned upon by Islam to spend too much money on the occasion. It is a good idea to appoint a responsible, trustworthy friend or family member to help with the budget and keep it under control.
The walima should also be organized by the husband, as it is a Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It is therefore a duty of the man to take care of this aspect of the wedding. The man should also ensure that the wedding feast is in line with Islamic principles and values. In addition, he should also arrange the venue for the feast and hire a caterer.
The Mehndi
In the Muslim world, the Mehndi, or wedding feast, is one of the most significant events in the life of a newlywed couple. It is a celebration of the couple's new marriage and it also represents a bond between the families. It is held at a time when the bride and groom will soon begin their lives as married people, so it is important that everything goes as planned and according to tradition.
The Mehndi ceremony is typically held the day before the wedding. It is a way to beautify the bride and give her a touch of Islamic culture.
Traditionally, only women are invited to the Mehndi party. However, it is increasingly becoming common for men to attend this celebration.
A big part of the Mehndi is a ceremonial henna tattoo, which usually covers half the body, including the face and hands. This can be done by a professional artist or by family members who are trained in the art.
It is important to choose a henna artist who is qualified in the art. This will ensure that the henna is done properly and lasts for a long time. If the henna is applied incorrectly, it can stain clothing and make the skin look bad.
Henna is a natural dye that can be used to color the hair, nails and lips. It is often used to create intricate designs, which symbolize blessings and good luck.
Since the mehndi is such a special event, it is important that it is well planned and done by professional artists. This will help the wedding go smoothly and ensure that the bride's special day is the best it can be.
This can be done by arranging a meeting with the henna artist to discuss the details of the mehndi. This will allow you to have a leisurely conversation about what design will be most suitable for your wedding.
It is also important to choose the right location for your Mehndi party, so that it can be a fun and memorable event for all of your guests. It is best to pick a venue where you can have plenty of space for dancing and where the guests can enjoy themselves while enjoying a meal.
The Farewell
The wedding feast is the climax of a Muslim wedding and marks an exciting moment for the couple and their loved ones. This event is full of fun and frolic and is held at the bride's home.
During this time, the bride and her family are showered with gifts from both sides. This includes gifts of clothes, jewellery, sweets and more. The dowry or the mahar is also given to the bride out of love and courtesy.
In addition, the groom's family presents the groom with a turban that is blessed by his mother and other elder members. The turban is traditionally worn during the journey towards the wedding venue, and it symbolizes good fortune to the groom's family.
This is the first time that the bride and groom have laid eyes on each other after being separated by a veil for so long. The bride and groom are made to sit side-by-side with a veil covering their heads, and they are allowed to see each other's reflection in a mirror that has been placed between them.
Once they are seated, the bride and groom have the opportunity to read some Islamic prayers in the presence of their families and friends. This is an important part of the wedding ceremony because it formally acknowledges their new status as husband and wife.
Amongst Bengali Muslims, this is one of the most significant and emotional moments of the whole wedding ritual. During this ceremony, the bride is shown the groom's house and her new home by the groom's mother.
When she arrives at her new home, she is greeted with traditional Bengali food such as rice and fish or luchis. She may also be asked to step on lac dye and milk that symbolizes the imprint she will make in her husband's new home.
The 'Baudh' or the 'wedding feast' is the last meal the bride will enjoy in her own home before she is married off. This mini-feast is attended by her extended family and close friends.
The 'Baudh' is a joyous celebration that includes music and dance. It is also a time for the bride's family to meet the groom's family, and introduce themselves. They also handover a trousseau of gifts and sweets to the groom's family.
The Gifts
There are certain elements of the islamic wedding feast that are unique and a bit different from other wedding traditions. Hence, it is important to know and understand the nuances of this wedding feast to appreciate its importance.
Traditionally, gifts are given to newly married couples at their weddings by family and friends. These include a wide range of items, from practical to spiritual.
In some cases, gifts may come from a registry established by the couple. This is a common practice in the Christian and Hindu faiths, as it is an effective way of ensuring that guests will be getting the couple the right gift.
However, in Muslim weddings, a registry may not be necessary or even desired by the couple. In that case, cash gifts will usually be the best choice of gift for a Muslim groom and bride.
Another common gift for Muslim brides and grooms is a Tasbih, a set of prayer beads. These are typically made from exotic materials and can be a very thoughtful gift for a Muslim couple.
Other popular gifts include books written by Islamic poets such as Rumi. A book of Rumi’s poems is a wonderful gift for a Muslim couple, especially one that is translated into English.
A book of calligraphy is also a great gift idea for a Muslim couple. Calligraphy art has grown to be a well-known art form in the Islamic religion. In fact, most mosques have paintings and pictures of extensive calligraphy art on their walls.
Similarly, attar perfumes are naturally formed fragrances that have remained very popular in the Islamic religion. Attar perfumes are primarily alcohol-free and are often very strong in scent.
Attar perfumes make a very thoughtful and long-lasting gift for a Muslim bride and groom. In addition, attars can be used to fragrance their homes for years to come.
Oudh, also known as Agarwood or Aloeswood, is another popular gift for a Muslim groom and bride. This is a resinous wood that has a strong and distinctive scent.
The Oudh can be burnt along with frankincense during evening prayers to create an aromatic scent that will freshen up the entire home. Pair it with a diffuser for an even more unique and long-lasting gift.
