A Muslim marriage ceremony stands as a crucial and customary Islamic occurrence. It includes a nikah ritual where the bride and groom consent to wed.
However, there is a lot of confusion around whether or not Muslims are allowed to kiss each other during a nikah. Let’s explore the answer to this question!
1. It is a Sunnah
If a couple decides to kiss each other during a wedding ceremony, it is considered a sunnah. This is because the Islamic tradition teaches us that kissing is a sign of intimacy and love.
Kissing is a very romantic act and is one of the most intimate acts that a person can experience. It is also an important part of a marriage relationship. It is a way to show others that the two of you are in love and are happy to be together.
However, it is important to remember that Islam prohibits sexual activity before marriage. It is a very serious matter and is an offense that can lead to severe punishment.
As a result, it is very important for the bride and groom to be very careful to refrain from touching each other before the wedding takes place. This is not only to protect themselves from harm but it is also to make sure that the wedding ceremony is conducted in accordance with Islamic laws.
In addition, it is a good idea for the groom and the bride to make sure that they are living together in a clean and safe environment before their marriage. This is to ensure that they will be able to stay married in the long run.
The bride and the groom are typically welcomed into the venue by a troupe of traditional musicians who play beautiful music as they enter. They then proceed to sit at an elaborately decorated table called 'Mez al Sayed'. The women who attend the reception can be heard ululating, which is a high-pitched cheer of celebration.
During the zaffe, a group of drummers will accompany the couple. Afterwards, the bride and groom will change into their dresses which were purchased by their mothers-in-law. This is a huge event for Muslims and it is a time when family members and friends can come together to celebrate their new marriage.
2. It is a Sign of Love
The islamic wedding kiss is considered a sign of love. This is because it symbolises that the two are finally united in marriage after having been apart for a long time. The bride and groom are able to show this kind of affection for each other after their nikah has been conducted in accordance with Islamic law.
It is also a sign that they have been accepted by their families. The ceremony can take place in a mosque or at the bride's family home and involves reading the Fatiha, sharing a sweet dessert called shahbet, and an exchange of rings.
Before the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom will meet with their imam or sheikh to make a contract for their marriage. This will be signed by both the bride and the groom.
This will then be followed by a traditional meal called 'Nishan' in which the groom and his family give gifts to the bride. These gifts can include gold, jewellery, clothes and shoes.
The Nishan is a fun and festive evening for the couple as they celebrate their new life together. The night begins with a procession to the venue where they are met by musicians, who play mezmar and ululating women (Zaghareet).
They then enter the 'Mez al Sayed' which is an elaborately decorated table that is arranged facing East so they can look forward towards the sunrise. The table is decorated with many symbols that represent love, peace, prosperity, fertility and happiness for their marriage.
The groom then goes to the room where his wife is preparing for the wedding, kisses her and then changes into a dress that her mother-in-law has bought her. This is a special night for her and it is a romantic gesture that she will treasure forever.
3. It is a Sign of Respect
The kissing of hands is a sign of respect, affection and loyalty. This can be observed in most Muslim countries, such as Brunei, Indonesia and Turkey. Traditionally, children, adolescents, and adults show their love and appreciation for older people with hand-kissing.
It can also be observed in many other cultures around the world. In some places it is even a Bedouin greeting, representing pride and a sense of belonging. In some places it can also be a sign of devotion and amity.
In Islam, a person can kiss their parents, younger siblings and grandparents to show respect. They can also kiss their teachers and relatives to express their love and care.
One should be careful, however, when they kiss a non-mahram woman, as it is considered fitnah to do so. In Islam, a mahram woman is a wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and a daughter of a mahram woman.
Another thing to consider is the age of the individual who is being kissed. For instance, a mother shouldn't kiss her grown son or daughter on the mouth. The same holds true for a man.
As far as the sex goes, it is also important to note that a married couple should avoid kissing each other in public. This is because it is haram in Islam to kiss one another prior to marriage.
If the bride and groom have been formally accepted by the imam or sheikh, they will meet to agree upon their wedding date and contract. Once the contract is signed they will go to a separate room and will change into a simple dress that they have purchased for their wedding. They will then walk together to a beautiful venue. Usually they will be accompanied by traditional musicians (Zaffa).
4. It is a Sign of Bonding
Kissing is not a requirement for marriage but it is considered as a form of bonding between a man and a woman. It is a sign that they are willing to take responsibility for their own actions, and that they want to commit to a long-term relationship together.
It is also a sign of respect and piety. This is because it is a way of showing that they are ready for a long-term commitment and have made the right choice in choosing to live a life of prayer and deeds that will be pleasing to God.
In the Muslim world, engagements are a time to celebrate and show gratitude for one another's love and support. They involve an exchange of rings - usually gold for the woman and silver for the groom placed on their right hand ring finger.
Traditionally, the bride and groom have their engagement ceremony at their respective homes. They are then given gifts - gold, jewellery and clothes - by both sides of the family. It may be a simple affair or a grand banquet with religious readings and blessings.
The wedding itself is held in a specially decorated area. It is called'mez al sayed' and the carefully placed items symbolise peace, prosperity, fertility, and happiness for the couple.
Traditional musicians (Zaffa) play upbeat music before the couple enters. The female attendees often ululate (zaghareet) as they enter, adding to the cacophony of sound.
The wedding party then goes to a special dinner for the bride and groom. This could be a large banquet at the bride's home, or it might be a smaller gathering at a restaurant. The feast is usually accompanied by traditional music and dancing, which can be quite energetic.
5. It is a Sign of Happiness
The kissing of one’s spouse is a sign of happiness and joy. This is because it indicates that the couple has found true love and are now living together. However, it is important to keep in mind that this act should be done in private and only when the husband and wife feel comfortable with each other.
It is also a sign of the pious nature of the bride and groom. It shows that they are willing to sacrifice their own desires in order to achieve a happy marriage. This act can also prove beneficial for the bride and groom because it makes them more aware of the responsibilities that come with marriage.
In Islam, kissing is a sign of respect and love towards your spouse. It can be a pious kiss on the forehead, cheeks and hands. It is also a pious gesture of tenderness and affection, and it can be accompanied by a heartfelt recitation.
Moreover, it is also a sign of the groom’s understanding of his new wife’s needs. This is because the wedding night can be a very nervous and stressful experience for a virgin bride. Hence, it is essential for the groom to be incredibly kind and gentle to her on this first night.
Another reason why kissing is a sign of happiness is that it is a great way to celebrate the occasion. In many cultures around the world, this is the most common way to celebrate a wedding.
When a Muslim couple gets married, they often go through a series of ceremonies that are designed to ensure that the ceremony is as successful and enjoyable as possible. Usually, these include an engagement party, the nikah and the Nishan (the wedding gift giving ceremony).
