Islamic matrimonial customs encompass a variety of traditions and practices. For instance, Mehar, also known as the marriage dowry, is provided before the Nikah ceremony and is again paid following the consummation of the marriage. It's common for couples to choose their wedding ring as the initial Mehar. Following the Nikah ceremony, the couple is then able to see each other for the first time.
Arsi Mushraf
One of the most unique features of a traditional Islamic wedding is the Arsi Mushraf, or first glimpse. This ceremony occurs shortly after the couple completes the Nikah ceremony. The bride and groom sit with a mirror and the Quran between them, and the mirror reflects the bride and groom's reflection. The couple then sits together and prays, then each says the holy Quran aloud. Afterwards, the families gather to eat.
The next part of an Islamic wedding is the Rukhsat ritual. During the Rukhsat ritual, the bride and groom are introduced to each other's families and friends. The bride's mother in-law places the Holy Quran on the bride's head to symbolize her obligations as a wife. The wedding also includes the first round of dinner for guests.
The Baraat ritual is another important part of a traditional Muslim wedding. Traditionally, the bride's family sends a car or person to the groom's residence for the wedding. This procession often includes music and dancing. The baraat entry is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding day.
Sehra Bandhi
Sehra Bandhi is an Islamic wedding tradition where the sister of the groom ties a turban on the groom's head. This ceremony is believed to protect the groom from evil spirits. Usually, more than one sister performs this ceremony. The sister-in-laws are presented with gifts and money.
The ceremony is held in a party-like atmosphere and starts with the Sehra (first look). The bride gets mendhi (henna design) done on her hands and feet. Her future mother-in-law will then send her son a gift to mark the event. The wedding ceremony also includes the Shagun, in which the bride's family presents the bride with gifts.
The groom's family and friends come to the bride's home on the auspicious day before the wedding. They bring gifts and money to the bride. Some of the gifts are gold jewellery and money.
Mehndi
Mehndi is an important part of Islamic wedding traditions. The bride and groom are surrounded by family and friends during the ceremony. The bride's father serves as the "wali" (hero). The groom's family offers Mehr to the bride and asks for her consent to marry him. The ceremony is considered complete when both parties say "Qubool."
The bride is not allowed to leave her home for the duration of the ceremony. The groom is taken to the wedding venue with family members and friends by horseback or by car. A band plays various tunes to announce the impending marriage. Once the groom arrives at the wedding location, the bride's family and friends welcome him with a glass of sherbet and rosewater. The groom's family also offers a gift to the bride.
Another part of Islamic wedding traditions is mehndi, or henna. This paste is made from the Lawsonia inermis plant. This plant has cooling properties, which have been used by people in warmer climates for centuries to regulate body temperatures. When applied to the bride's hands, mehndi can help calm a bride's nerves.
Nikah Nama
The wedding ceremony begins with the baraat (the entrance of the groom). He arrives in a car that is beautifully decorated and escorted by his friends and family. It is an important part of the ceremony because it announces that the bride and groom will be married in just a few hours. The bride's family then greets the groom at the wedding venue, and sprays him with rosewater and ittar.
The Nikah ceremony is performed by a reputable practicing Muslim, although it is not the norm to use a priest in an Islamic wedding. It includes a short sermon on the significance of marriage and the responsibilities that each party should have within the marriage. The bride and groom then sign a marriage contract, known as a meher, which lays out the details of the marriage. It is also announced publicly and recorded with the masjid and with the local government. The marriage contract fulfills the legal and civil obligations of marriage.
The marriage ceremony also involves two male witnesses. The bride's father (known as the Wali) gives his consent, while the groom must get his consent as well. He must also bring along two male relatives as witnesses for the ceremony. The male guardian also confirms that the bride is willing to marry.
Sherbet
Muslim wedding traditions include the drinking of sherbet. This sweet drink is traditionally served to the bride and groom's families as they arrive. When the groom arrives at the bride's house, he is welcomed by the bride's family and brother with a glass of sherbet. This sweet beverage is believed to bring happiness to the couple and bring about a sweet marriage.
The day before the wedding, the bride's family and friends apply mehndi or henna to her hands and feet. The girl is not allowed to leave the house until the wedding ceremony is over. The groom travels to the wedding location on a horse or in a car with his family. During the ceremony, he offers the bride a token of money called Mehr. The Maulvi then asks her if she accepts the marriage and her brother will also say, "Yes."
Some countries have customs that do not allow alcohol to be served at the wedding. In these countries, the newlyweds would spend a night together and be fed by their families. In remote areas, a bride's handkerchief would be stained to prove that she was virgin. Some couples spend a lot of money on specialty foods, but a simple meal is also acceptable. Alcohol is forbidden at a Muslim wedding, and bringing it is considered bad etiquette.
Manjha
Manjha as part of islamic marriage traditions is an important ritual that is closely related to the Hindu haldi ceremony. It involves the bride and groom being decorated with sandalwood and turmeric paste, and then bathing in holy water. They are not allowed to leave their home until the wedding day, during which time relatives and friends apply the paste to their hands and feet.
The bride's attire consists of a Sharara or long skirt and a blouse. The bride will wear a dupatta to cover her head. A religious discourse is also held during the ceremony, during which the Maulvi recite verses from the Holy Quran that are considered equivalent to the marriage vows. After the ceremony, the bride and groom are required to exchange gifts and blessings from relatives.
The second pre-wedding ritual is the Imam Zamin, which is a symbol of the bride's acceptance into the groom's family. The groom's mother will visit the bride's family on the auspicious day of the wedding, bringing gifts and a ceremonial coin. The coin is then woven into a silk scarf to symbolize the bride's entry into the family.
Valima
The Islamic wedding ceremony ends with Rukhsat, an emotional ritual in which the bride leaves her parents' house and travels to the groom's. Her mother places the Holy Quran on her head as she leaves the house and she seeks the blessing of her elder family members. The bride returns to her parents' house four days after the wedding and is welcomed by her parents and close family members.
The celebration begins with the nikkah, or wedding ceremony, which is held in a mosque. After the nikkah, guests gather to congratulate the newlyweds. After the ceremony, sweets are distributed among the guests. The groom then prays to Allah for the couple's future.
The second aspect of the Islamic wedding ceremony is the Valima, a dinner reception following the wedding. The bride and groom's families usually host a buffet that is prepared in accordance with the Sunnah of the holy Prophet Muhammad. This meal is intended to bring the newlyweds a long, happy life. Many people are surprised by this tradition, and may even be a little uncomfortable.
