Within the Islamic faith, marriage is viewed as a form of worship. Thus, it is essential for a Muslim couple to fully understand the expectations for a marriage ceremony.
The first pre-wedding ritual is Salatul Ishtikara, which involves praying with the community to ask Allah for His blessings and guidance for the couple. This is done to ensure that the couple will be able to build a happy home.
Salatul Ishtikara
Salatul Istikara is a form of prayer that seeks guidance from Allah. It is most commonly used before marriage and can be a great way to determine whether or not you’ll be happy with your future spouse.
This is a very important prayer and should be performed with the proper etiquettes. It’s best to perform this prayer in the presence of a witness who can help you in interpreting it properly.
In addition, you should pray with a clean mat and face the Qibla. This will help you to center your intentions and clear your mind.
The most important aspect of this prayer is to consign the matter entirely to Allah and suspend your own inclinations. This will enable you to get guidance from Allah without having to worry about making bad decisions.
The istikhara is a very effective prayer and can be beneficial when it comes to making important decisions. It can also be a useful tool in seeking Allah’s guidance and wisdom over all matters. However, it is important to remember that this type of guidance only applies to actions that are permissible and not haram.
Arsi Mushraf
The Arsi Mushraf is a ritual that is held on the day of the marriage. It is a ceremony that allows the bride and groom to see each other for the first time. It involves a mirror and a copy of the Holy Quran placed between the two. The couple looks in the mirror to see their reflections for the first time as a married couple.
The ceremony also involves the signing of a Nikahnama, a wedding contract that details all the duties and responsibilities that must be fulfilled by both the bride and groom before they can be legally wed. This is followed by a khutba and a prayer.
Another impressive Muslim based wedding ritual is the Rukhsat (meaning four) which happens right after the ceremony is over. It is a very emotional moment when the bride bids a tearful farewell to her family and sets off for her husband’s place. It is a great way to reminisce about the good old days before she starts a new chapter in her life as a wife.
Shaadi
Islam considers marriage a highly recommended act and it is an opportunity for couples to commit themselves in front of God. It is an integral part of Islamic society and it serves as a pillar of faith that strengthens the bonds of love between two people and also helps them grow as individuals.
When a match is made between two people who deem each other compatible, the would-be couple goes to a mosque and the religious head or an Imam conducts a shabiyat (marriage) ceremony. The ceremony includes a religious discourse called Khutba, a few prayers from the Holy Quran and recitation of the marriage vows.
The bride and groom then stand before the Imam to sign a religious marriage contract. The marriage contract must include a promise that the couple will never commit adultery or fornication. They also agree to say “qabool hai” three times each, which means “I accept.” Both the bride and groom must also recite their marriage vows together. Once the marriage contract is signed, the couple holds a mirror and the Holy Quran up to their faces for the first time as husband and wife.
Imam Zamin
The Islamic marriage namaz begins with a prayer requesting Allah's blessing and consent for the couple to marry. It is followed by a second pre-wedding ritual called Imam Zamin, which involves the groom's mother visiting the bride's home bearing gifts and sweets.
One of the gifts she gives is a silver or gold coin wrapped inside a silk scarf that she gently wraps around her daughter-in-law's wrist. This is believed to symbolize the bride's acceptance into her new family's household.
When traveling, Muslims often carry a coin with the name of a holy Imam engraved on it. It is known as Imam Zamin, or Imam al-Ridha, and it has become a tradition to wear the coin when traveling in hopes of gaining good luck on the journey.
This is a practice that has become a cultural phenomenon among South Asians and other Muslim groups. It is often observed by both Sunnis and Shias. However, many Sunni practitioners put more emphasis on the cultural significance of this practice and Shias focus less on religious significance.
Fatiha
The Fatiha (Islam marriage namaz) is the most important and crucial part of an Islam wedding. It is the last pre-wedding ceremony that both the bride and groom must agree to.
It is a collection of virtuous acts such as reciting few ayahs of Holy Quran, durood, supplications and prayer for the sick, poor, Muslims etc. This is done by raising hands and praying to Allah to grant reward to the person reciting these ayahs.
In Islam, chastity is an essential value which means that men should not satisfy their sexual urges and needs in any way other than through marriage. Adultery and fornication are forbidden in Islam as they are major sins.
According to Islamic tradition, the marriage of a man and a woman should be arranged by family members or through the help of friends. However, it should be made clear to both parties that the purpose of marriage is to obey and follow the Islamic laws.
The couple must take part in the Salatul Ishtikara, a special prayer that asks Allah to guide them and provide them with a happy home. They also must make sure that they agree to all of the conditions set forth in the Qur'an for the marriage to be legal.
Mehar
Mehar (mahr, mehr, mehr) is a type of dowry offered by the groom to the bride's family during the Islamic marriage namaz. It is usually monetary, but may also be precious jewelry or properties.
The amount of Mehar is a stipulation in the marriage contract and should be based on the financial situation of both the husband and the wife. It can be a prompt or deferred dower and can be paid upon demand, or it may be payable at the time of divorce or upon the death of either party.
It is important for couples to discuss their expectations, hopes, dreams and present financial circumstances before they marry. This will help them to prepare a Haq Mehar that is suitable for both parties. Moreover, it will also ensure that the Haq Mehar is adjusted to account for inflation and devaluation of money as dower over the life of the marriage. In addition, it will help to keep a balance between the shariah and personal needs of each partner. This will make it easier for them to live happily together, according to the law of Islam.
Walimah
The wedding feast, or Walimah, is a part of a Muslim marriage and is a Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). It is an outward expression of gratitude for a new life, a great means of publicising the wedding and a good way to show appreciation.
It is a tradition that is very important to Islam. The walima is usually hosted at the groom’s home since this is where the bride will start their new lives together.
During the ceremony, an Iman or Maulvi will read some Quranic verses and recite a prayer of blessing. Afterwards, the bride and groom will sign their marriage contract which legally binds them to each other.
The walima is an integral part of a Muslim wedding, but it should not be over-the-top. In fact, it is best to keep it on a scale that is affordable for the spouse’s means. Many times, people spend thousands upon thousands in catering and entertaining their guests and this amount could be used for other necessities.
Chauthi
The Chauthi ceremony is a traditional Muslim wedding ritual that takes place on the day after or on the fourth day after the marriage. It is a very special occasion for the bride and groom. It marks the official declaration of the marriage, and also a celebration with friends and relatives.
In Islam, the marriage must be publicly declared with two witnesses from each side present at the ceremony. In this way, the couple can make supplication to Allah for their married life.
This is followed by the Ijab-e-Qubool, a ritual in which the groom and the bride remain separated from each other so that they cannot see each other. Afterwards, they sign the Nikahnama or marriage contract, which outlines all possible duties and rites for the couple as per the Quran.
The Maulvi asks the bride three times, “Qubool Hain?” (Do you give your consent) and the bride has to say yes in an assertive and affirmative tone. After she has said this, the Maulvi goes to the groom and repeats the same procedure.
