In the Islamic faith, a variety of terms are integral to the marriage ceremony, including Mahr, Walimah, Manjha, and Heena. These terms have significant importance in a Muslim marriage and must be employed with precision. Should there be any confusion regarding their meanings, it's advisable to research and understand these terms.
Mahr
In the Islamic wedding, the husband and wife must agree on the amount and kind of mahr (dowry) to be paid. This payment is considered a sign of responsibility. Generally, the Mahr is paid in money or movable or immovable property. While Mahr is not legally required, it is considered appropriate. The amount should be appropriate for the husband and wife's respective financial status.
The word mahr is also used to describe the groom's obligation to the bride. This is a sum of money, home goods, or land that is given to the bride. The amount is usually stipulated in the marriage contract. The bride's family cannot demand too much money, so the husband's obligation is limited to this amount.
According to the Qur'an, marriage is a contract and a gift by the husband to the wife is a required part of it. The Mahr can be in the form of money, property, service, or memorizing the Qur'an. If the bride does not want the Mahr, she may decide to postpone it.
In addition to the dowry, the mahr should be simple and affordable. The Prophet Muhammad gave advice on how to make the mahr affordable to the husband and the bride. Hence, a mahr that burdens the bride and groom can be considered as a sign of a miserable marriage or incompassionate behaviour.
Walimah
Walimah is a Muslim wedding ceremony that takes place before the consummation of the marriage. It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to plan the event and invite all their family members and friends. This ceremony is a religious obligation, as it represents the union of two families. Guests may attend or not, depending on their own preferences.
In Islam, walima is an essential celebration. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to serve meat and bread as part of the celebration. Moreover, walima is an outward expression of gratitude. The entire ceremony can last for several days. Guests are often entertained throughout the ceremony with live performances, dances, and photo sessions.
The word walima is derived from the Arabic word walam, meaning to gather. Historically, this word was used to refer to a feast or meal, but it became exclusive to the wedding banquet. It is a traditional part of an Islamic wedding and is considered a good way to publicise the union between a bride and a groom.
The Quran advises inviting family members, friends, neighbors, associates, pious people, and scholars to the Walima. It also warns against inviting people who are from higher classes or considered rich.
Manjha
Manjha is an important ceremony in the Islamic wedding tradition. It is similar to the Hindu haldi ceremony in which the bride and groom exchange wedding rings and give gifts to each other. Typically, this ceremony occurs two days before the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom are both covered in a paste made from turmeric, rose water, and sandalwood. This paste is applied to their hands and feet by the family members. The bride is not allowed to leave the house until the wedding day.
The ceremony is followed by a Nikaah ceremony. The Nikaah, or marriage contract, is a legal paper which records the marriage. It contains a list of terms and conditions. These terms and conditions must be agreed upon by the bride and groom. It is a must for both parties to sign the Nikaah. A wedding is not complete without these papers. If the bride and groom do not sign the Nikaah, the ceremony is considered null and void.
The Manjha ceremony is similar to the Hindu mehendi ceremony. The bride wears yellow clothing. She is then covered in a paste made from turmeric. The groom's family then sends her ornaments and clothes. The wedding party is then welcomed by the bride's family. The groom also shares a sweetened drink with the bride's brother.
Heena
The word henna has a rich history in Islamic culture. It is often used in Pakistani weddings as well as in Muslim holidays such as Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. It is traditionally applied to the hands of both the bride and groom during the pre-wedding ceremony called Rasm-e-Heena.
Mehndi is a form of henna and is made from the Lawsonia inermis plant. It has cooling properties and has long been used to help people in warmer climates regulate their bodies' temperature. It also has soothing effects, providing relief from stress and fever. When applied to the hands of the bride, mehndi is also believed to calm her nerves.
In the mehndi ceremony, the bride is usually dressed in a special dress. She is not allowed to eat anything while the Heena is drying. During the time that she must wait, other women are invited to participate in the Heena ceremony. The women then dance and sing, preparing the bride for her wedding. The bride and groom then stay in their respective homes until the wedding day.
A second pre-wedding ritual called Imam Zamin marks the acceptance of the bride into the groom's family. During this ceremony, the groom's mother visits the bride's home and brings gifts for the bride. She is also presented with a silver or gold coin wrapped in a silk scarf, a symbolic gesture of welcome into the family.
Mehndi
Mehndi is a traditional practice during an Islamic wedding. It involves applying dried leaves of henna to the bride's hands. It takes time to apply henna, and the application process is usually done 32 to 48 hours before the wedding. Traditionally, the bride and her family host the event. It is considered an aesthetic gesture and not essential for the wedding ceremony.
Mehndi is traditionally associated with the bride's day, but today the groom's family is also involved. A mirror is placed between the bride and the groom during the ceremony, and the groom looks into the mirror to see his bride. The ceremony also features a lot of dancing and music, creating an exciting atmosphere that sets the stage for the wedding. The main event of the wedding, however, is the Nikah, a formal ritual during which the bride and groom exchange vows and promises. The groom also presents the bride with symbolic gifts to symbolize his support and love for the future.
Mehndi has been used in weddings for thousands of years and is also known as henna. It is a red herbal dye applied to the hands of the bride and groom by women from the bride's family, often on their hands and feet. The bride and her family members celebrate the mehndi ceremony together the night before the wedding.
Imam Zamin
Imam Zamin is an Islamic word that means "I am married". It is also used for a wedding prayer. It is not an indigenous wedding word in the United States, but has come to be associated with Muslim weddings in southern California through Muslim immigrants. It has become a subculture in the region that embodies a rich religious significance and history.
The purpose of the second pre-wedding ritual is to welcome the bride into the new family, the Imam. This ritual involves the groom's mother visiting the bride's home with gifts and a symbolic coin. The mother then ties the coin onto the bride's wrist to mark the bride's entrance into the new family. After this ceremony, the groom and bride exchange rings, and the families give gifts to the newlyweds.
During the ceremony, women surround the bride and men surround the groom. The Iman reads a few verses from the Quran and the Maulvi recite a prayer of blessing. The bride and groom then sign a marriage contract. The contract will legally bind the bride and groom.
Imam-Zamin is the second ritual in a Muslim wedding. It is a gold or silver coin that is tied to the upper portion of the bride's hand. It is one of the most important rituals in an Islamic wedding, and it signifies that the groom and his family have accepted the bride. It is also a time when the groom's family will visit the bride's home to bring gifts, such as sweets.
