Islamic marriage ceremonies in Montreal are increasingly gaining popularity. They serve as an excellent occasion to unite families and friends, as well as to commemorate the Islamic faith.
They can also be a great opportunity to network and meet new people. However, there are some things to keep in mind before you plan your Islamic wedding.
What is a Nikah?
The Nikah is a sacred Islamic ceremony that brings a Muslim man and woman together in holy matrimony. It is a deeply spiritual event that holds a unique place of honor in the hearts of many families.
In Islam, a Nikah is a contract that binds a couple together to live in a healthy relationship and start a family. It’s the only religiously recognized way for a couple to get married and it establishes a legal marriage in the eyes of Allah (God).
There are a few important requirements that must be met to be a valid Nikah in Islam. These include the groom and bride agreeing to marry each other, and having at least two witnesses who are Muslim.
A Nikah ceremony is usually performed by a religious scholar or a mosque’s Qazi. However, it can also be officiated by an elderly man from the bride and groom’s families or by a third party.
It’s common for the Nikah to be held at a mosque, but some couples opt for a smaller wedding in their home. Guests are asked to dress modestly and cover their arms and legs.
At a Nikah, the bride and groom must sign a paper that confirms their agreement to marry each other. They are then required to sing a series of prayers and holy verses.
After the Nikah, the groom gives his wife a gift called meher. This can be money or something else of value. The meher is meant to be a security for the wife in the future.
Nikah ceremonies are very important and should be held in a sacred place, such as a mosque. Muslims should try to keep their ceremonies simple and a nikah is often the perfect opportunity to do this.
What is a Walima?
The Walima is an important part of any Islamic wedding. It is a feast that celebrates the union of two families after the nikah ceremony. The bride and groom usually host this event, and it can be held at their home or another venue such as a park or hall.
The walima is an important part of any Islamic ceremony because it symbolizes the happiness that will come after marriage. It is also a chance for the new couple to celebrate their new life together with their family and friends.
Walima is a Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and it has been highly encouraged by Islamic leaders. It is a celebration of gratitude and pleasure that also serves as a special way to publicize the couple’s marriage.
It is a common custom for the bride and groom to wear dazzling and classy outfits during this event. The bride is traditionally dressed in a lehenga and a glistening diamond ring that has been gifted by her in-laws, while the groom wears a Sherwani to make a dapper statement.
This is a significant aspect of any Islamic wedding because it is the first time that the couple will be seen in public. In order to make a lasting impression, they want to look their best for this occasion.
The groom and his family will begin planning the walima immediately after the nikah ceremony. They will then send invitations to their relatives and friends, as well as pious people throughout the community. In the Islamic tradition, it is recommended that all those invited attend this celebration, and refusing an invitation to a walima would be a sin.
What is a Shaadi?
A Shaadi is the wedding celebration or reception that takes place after a couple has performed their Nikah. It is a fun event where the bride and groom can celebrate their new marriage with their families and friends. It usually lasts for several days and is a great way to introduce the new spouses’ families to each other.
A Nikah is an Islamic marriage contract that is signed in person, or online, by both the Groom and the Bride. This is required for registration under the Muslim Family Law Ordinance 1961. It is an important step to ensure that both the Bride and Groom are legally wed and can begin their marital relationship.
In South Asian Muslim weddings, the Shaadi is the main wedding celebration that is thrown by the bride’s family. It includes a traditional reading of the Quran and the wedding ceremony.
Traditionally, the groom enters the Shaadi on a white horse and is followed by his family and friends. He is also escorted by drums and singers.
It is a common tradition for younger guests to playfully steal the groom’s shoes and hold them for ransom during the wedding festivities as a practical joke. This is a fun custom that can be a bit embarrassing for the groom if his relatives decide to try it out.
The Nikah is the first step in the marriage process and is a legal contract that is essential to marriage registration according to the Muslim Family Law Ordinance. It can take anywhere from one day to 2 to 3 years as per the mutual consent of the Bride and Groom’s families.
The Nikah is a very important step in the wedding process and can be very stressful for both the Groom and the Bride. It is highly recommended that the Nikah be performed in a timely manner and that everyone understands what is expected of them during this special occasion.
What is a Rukhsati?
The Rukhsati is a traditional Muslim wedding ceremony that happens the day after the wedding and marks the departure of the bride from her home. It is a very emotional occasion for both the bride and her family.
The groom escorts her to her new home with his family and friends. This procession is called the “baraat”. In some countries, the groom may be given a horse to ride on during the Baraat.
Once the groom is inside the home, he greets the family with a bouquet of flowers and rose petals. This is done to welcome the bride and give her a glimpse of how her new life will be like as part of her husband’s family.
At this time, the couple is able to hold a mirror and view their reflections for the first time as husband and wife (arsi mushaf). In some families, the groom presents his wife with her Mahr, a dowry that will be her financial freedom during the marriage or after should she need to leave him.
During this time, it is also customary for the groom and his family to invite guests over to their home for dinner to officially accept them as a married couple. This is usually done with the Walima, and is a Prophetic Sunnah that is highly recommended by Muslims.
Some couples also host a party after the Rukhsati to celebrate their new family and share the joy of their union. Some families put up fireworks to express their happiness.
Another fun tradition that younger guests in South Asian Muslim weddings often engage in is the “hiding of the shoes”. This is when children and close relatives of the bride’s side steal her husband’s shoes for ransom. This can be a hilarious and heartwarming moment in the wedding photography of Chicago Muslim weddings every time.
What is a Virtual Matrimonial Mixer?
A Virtual Matrimonial Mixer is a matrimonial event that breaks the mold of speed dating and traditional match making. It’s a game-oriented event that enables people to engage with others in a way that translates into meaningful conversation. The venue and other program details are sent to registered participants only. This is a Shariah Compliant matrimonial service offered by WIC under supervision of our Imam.
You can send a variety of gifts to your loved ones during a virtual marriage, such as an outfit or a fun prop like a floral crown. You can also share photos of yourself together to document the special moment!
