A marriage ceremony is an occasion to rejoice in the joining of two individuals. However, within Islamic tradition, a wedding can signify considerably more than this.
In Australian filmmaker Osamah Sami's autobiographical film Ali's Wedding, the neurotic son of a Muslim cleric (Don Hany) tells a lie that sets off a series of events.
The Nikah
The Nikah is a Muslim wedding ceremony that outlines the rights and obligations of the groom and bride. It also lays out the conditions for divorce and separation if one partner is not satisfied with the marriage.
A Nikah ceremony takes place before a qualified wali (imam) and is witnessed by two male witnesses. These men make sure that both the bride and groom are giving their consent to the marriage of their own free will, and that the agreement is in compliance with Islamic law.
Before the Nikah is completed, the couple must agree to a mahr, which is a gift of money that the groom must pay to the bride. This can be any amount that the couple decides on, and is a symbolic way to show how much the husband is willing to invest in his future wife.
After the Nikah is completed, the newly weds sit down together for the first time to celebrate their new lives as a married couple. They are then given a gift by the groom’s family and are accompanied by a maulvi who conducts their prayer.
There are several traditions that are common to islamic weddings. One of them is Zaffe, which is a traditional dance that is performed to welcome the new couple.
Another tradition is a ceremony where the groom and the bride exchange rings and put them on their right hands. This is a very traditional ritual that many Muslims practice and it is a great way to show their love for each other.
During the Nikah, the groom and the bride must stand before the ceremony leader, often an imam, and say "I accept" about three times. Once they have said this, they must then sign the marriage contract and become officially married to each other.
The Nikah is a very important part of any islamic wedding, and it is essential to have the right plans in place. The first thing that should be done is to get a date and venue confirmed with the imam, as well as invite your guests. Once you have these in place, then you can start planning the rest of your islamic wedding.
The Baraat
An islamic wedding is filled with many festive celebrations designed to make the event an unforgettable experience for all. While some rituals have religious significance, others are just there to amplify the joyous mood of the occasion.
One of the most anticipated events before a wedding is the Baraat, which is a procession that a groom and his family go through before their arrival at the bride’s house or venue. The procession is usually accompanied by live music and dancing, and is a wonderful way to announce the arrival of the groom.
Grooms can choose to arrive in any style that is suitable for them, but the most common option is a horse-drawn carriage. This will have been adorned to suit the groom and is a great way to show off his personality while making a statement.
Alternatively, some Grooms have also chosen to ride through the procession on an elephant. This is a popular choice because of the symbolism of the animal and is a great way to make a bold statement when arriving at your wedding venue!
Once the Baraat has reached the bride’s home or wedding venue, it is followed by a ceremony that celebrates the arrival of the groom. This is a time when the female relatives of the bride’s family meet the groom and his family, and apply tilak (a sacred red color mixed with water) on their forehead. They also perform aarti to ward off evil eyes.
The ceremony is followed by a lavish dinner that is shared by the entire wedding party. This is a time to celebrate the new couple as a married couple, and is also a chance for the groom to formally ask his bride’s family for her hand in marriage.
The couple is then greeted by their respective families and are given gifts to mark this event. This is a traditional gesture in a Muslim wedding and is a sign of respect for the families.
The Dinner
During the dinner of an islamic wedding, guests enjoy a delicious spread of food and drinks. This is a moment to savour and celebrate the new couple's love, as well as their parents' traditional values. The cuisine, which is primarily Halal, includes Hummus, Foul Mudammes, Falafal, Sharwarma and many more delicacies.
The menu is a feast of flavours and textures, with every dish offering something different to the palate. From fresh bread and hygienic coffee to mouthwatering Middle Eastern dishes, the menu at an islamic wedding is as rich and diverse as the culture it represents.
When attending an islamic wedding, men and women are expected to wear long pants or dresses that are at least knee-length. A scarf is often also required to cover the head. Footwear is usually not required, though it is advisable to remove them before entering the sacred area of a mosque.
In the midst of this celebration, the bride and groom exchange vows. The Imam, the religious leader of their community, is present, and they pledge their commitment to each other. Then, the bride and groom leave to a private location to perform the'muslim call to prayer', which can last for up to an hour.
After the wedding, the new bride and groom spend a few days at their husband's home before heading to their own homes for the first time as married people. This is known as the 'Chauthi' and is a joyous occasion for both the newlyweds and their families.
A'muslim call to prayer' is performed by the groom's family before the bride and groom are allowed to enter their own homes for the first time as marriedpeople. It's a chance to thank the bride's and groom's families for the love they have shown towards them throughout their journey.
Then, the newlyweds will dine together for the first time. This is a time for the two to sit side by side and read the Quran, a recitation of the holy book that is usually done under the direction of a maulvi (preist).
The whole event ends with a tearful farewell for the newlyweds before they depart for their new life together. This is a very special moment for the new couple to share with each other, and one that they will treasure forever.
The Farewell
The Farewell of an islamic wedding is an important part of the day for the bride and groom. It marks the end of the ceremony and a new beginning in their life together. It is one of the most memorable rituals in an islamic wedding and it would be filled with a lot of emotions for the bride and her family as well.
The bride and groom are made to sit next to each other with their heads covered and a mirror and the Quran kept between them. They are then allowed to look at each other for the first time on their wedding day and they are encouraged to say “Qubool hai” thrice in order to give their consent.
Following this, they are offered dinner by their families and are given the chance to celebrate with them. The meal is typically a lavish affair and the bride and groom have the opportunity to meet their relatives for the first time.
Afterwards, a group of their friends and family will accompany them in a special vehicle to their home. This is the last part of their wedding and it is a great way for the couple to say goodbye to their friends and family.
After the couple has reached their homes, a special prayer is held by their families, asking Allah to bless them and provide them with a happy and healthy marriage. This is the most important prayer in an islamic wedding and it is held before any other religious ceremonies take place.
It is a very emotional ceremony for the bride and her family as it would be the last time they see their daughter before she becomes a wife. The mother of the bride hands her a Quran to offer it as a blessing for her new life as a wife.
The groom is then given a traditional red colour herbal dye which he will use to paint his hands and feet with Heena (mehndi). Heena is a kind of temporary tattoo which usually lasts for a month but gradually fades away.
