Tying the knot stands out as a pivotal moment in an individual's existence. Within Muslim traditions, marriage ceremonies symbolize the celebration of love and togetherness.
A husband is expected to provide a wife with mahr, or a reasonable amount of money. Dowry, bride-price and mahr should be accepted by the woman, not coerced or imposed upon her.
The Nikah
The Nikah is the first step in a Muslim wedding, and it's a religious ceremony that marks the binding of two people together. Traditionally, the Nikah takes place at a mosque, but it can also be done at a wedding venue or in a home.
The bride and groom will both sign the marriage contract. During the ceremony, an Iman or Maulvi will perform the ceremony, read some Quranic verses, and give a short sermon. They'll also ask the bride and groom to say "Quubool Hai" which means, “I do.”
Depending on where the Nikah is held, the men and women may be segregated during the ceremony. This is often done to protect the privacy of the woman, but it can also be an option if a wali (male guardian) is present.
Once the Nikah is complete, a Fatiha is recited and a khutba is given, both of which are meant to bring blessings to the couple. The Fatiha is the first chapter of the Quran, and it's supposed to be a prayer that reaffirms the commitment of the two people to their faith.
After the Fatiha, the Maulvi or Iman will recite a prayer of protection and guidance for the new couple. After that, a gift or mahr will be presented to the bride and her family. This is an obligatory gift from the husband to his wife, and it can be a lump sum of money or anything else that she asks for.
The Nikah is a very special part of a Muslim wedding, but it's also a great opportunity to celebrate the love and commitment between two people. In addition to signing the marriage contract, the Nikah is a way to make sure that a husband and wife are both on the same page about their beliefs and expectations for their future.
The Nikah is an important step in a Muslim wedding, and it's one that every couple should take seriously. In addition to being a celebration of the union between two people, it's also a religious event that requires a lot of planning and preparation. With so many different elements to consider, it's easy to get overwhelmed!
The Mahr
Mahr, also spelled Mehr or Merhieh, is the present money that the groom and his family negotiate for the bride at the time of marriage (the Nikah). In some Muslim societies, the entire amount is paid to the groom’s father, who may use it to purchase a trousseau for the bride. In others, a portion of the mahr is delayed to be used as agreed upon by the couple and their families.
The mahr is a symbol of a husband’s love and appreciation for his wife. It is a legal obligation and cannot be rejected by the wife. It also serves as a deterrent to the husband’s at-will, unilateral right to repudiate the marriage.
However, it is not recommended for the husband to demand a substantial mahr. Instead, a moderate and affordable amount should be agreed to by the husband and his family. This should be enough for the wife to have her needs met and be able to afford any future expenses that may arise during the course of the marriage.
Another thing to remember is that the mahr should not be excessively high, as this can be considered a sign of disrespect for the wife and is haram by Islamic law. In some cases, the bride’s family pressures the groom and his family to have a very large mahr, which is beyond the husband’s means.
This can be a problem, especially in India. Indian Muslims are becoming increasingly aware of the practice of dowry and are trying to stop it. This is because it defeats the whole purpose of marriage.
In the Qur’an, Allah instructs us to be fair and generous towards women in our dealings with them: ‘Women are lawful to you if you take them in marriage and do not commit fornication; as for those through whom you profit (through marriage), give them their faridah as appointed.’
The Qur’an also states that mahr should not be demanded or denied by the husband. This is to protect the wife from any abuse or mistreatment by her husband.
In addition to the legal requirement of mahr, it is also a symbol of a man’s commitment to his wife and to her financial well-being during and after the marriage. In some Muslim societies, it is also a symbol of courtesy and respect for the woman.
The Wali
In Islam, marriage is a solemn contract that requires certain conditions and rules. The wali is an important part of this process because he is charged with protecting the woman in the marriage and selecting a good husband for her.
The wali is often the father of the bride, though there may be other male relatives who can act as the wali. This is because despite having independent rights, women can be manipulated by the ill-hearted and evil opportunists, so Islam has imposed certain legislations to maintain her rights and deter those who are unfaithful or amoral.
According to Islamic law, the wali has the right to refuse a marriage on the basis of religion, character or some other matter that is relevant. If the wali chooses to refuse on these grounds, it can be considered an action of ignorance or insincerity and it could render the marriage null and void.
When a marriage is arranged, the wali should meet with the person to be married and discuss the details of the wedding. They should then decide on a date and time for the wedding. The wali is also expected to visit the wedding venue and make sure everything is in order.
For example, they should check whether there are any witnesses present and if there is a mosque nearby where the nikah will be held. In addition, the wali should make sure that the marriage will be conducted in a suitable place, such as a church or other building with space for a gathering of family and friends.
After the nikah, it is traditional for Muslims to celebrate their new marriage with a feast. This is known as the walima, and it is a Sunnah (teaching) of the Prophet of Allah. It is usually scheduled for the first day after the nikah ceremony, but it can be held up to two days later.
In Islam, the wali has the duty of choosing a good man for her and selecting a husband who will be a good provider, companion and a loyal partner. He is also responsible for protecting her from abuse or mistreatment, and ensuring that her life after the marriage is peaceful.
The Arsi Mushraf
The Arsi Mushraf is the final part of a Muslim wedding. It is a delightful ceremony wherein the bride and groom look each other in the mirror for the first time as husband and wife. This is a very important ritual that is performed to ensure that the marriage is successful.
The family of the bride receives the groom at the venue where they serve him a cool drink and spray rosewater or ittar on his forehead and around his body to create a path for him to enter. They also offer him a pre-decided amount of money known as mehr to seek his consent for the marriage.
Once he gives his consent, the maulvi asks both the bride and groom whether they would like to take each other as their lawfully wedded spouses. He asks them to say “Qubool Hai” thrice in an affirmative tone.
Next, the couple is asked to sign a document that outlines the rules and duties of their new life together. It is called the nikahnama and should be witnessed by at least two people from each side of the family. It is signed by the bride and groom, their parents, and any other individuals that have a special interest in the wedding.
After the nikahnama is signed, a religious discourse called Khutba is recited by the Maulvi. This is followed by duruds, wherein the elders of the families shower their blessings on the newlywed couple.
The couple is then presented with gifts from their families, which can be jewelry, property, or money. This is the most important part of the Islamic wedding ceremony and a crucial step in making the marriage official.
In addition to the gifts, the groom may give his bride a coin that has a picture of an Imam on it. This is a symbol of their religion and is meant to remind them of their faith and responsibilities.
The bride and groom then leave the wedding venue with their families and heads for their new home. This rite is called Rukhsat and is an emotional moment for the bride’s family.
