The wedding ceremonies are celebrated with great opulence. It enjoins a man and a woman entitling them husband and wife, a new couple, who are about to embark on a journey of a lifetime together.
The most significant ceremony in Muslim weddings is known as ‘Nikaah’. The “Nikah” represents the simple solemnization of vows whereby the marriage contract is quickly enacted. Traditionally, the Muslim wedding is held at either one of the couples residence. However, today, due to convenience and the unavailability of space to accommodate guests, Muslim weddings are hosted in various wedding venues, hall etc.
There are three phases in Muslim weddings, viz. pre-wedding , wedding and post-wedding rituals.
Pre-Wedding Traditions
- Istikhara –This is first stage of the pre-wedding rituals. The Mujtahid (the religious head) obtains the consent of the Almighty to perform the wedding. Immediately after this is done, the groom’s mother and close female relatives pays a visit to the bride along with sweets and gifts her Imam-Zamin.
- Imam-Zamin and Magni: Traditionally, the bride is adorned and the women of the boy's family sees the bride for the first time. The custom of the prospective mother-in-law tying the silver or gold coin wrapped in a silken cloth onto the upper portion of the bride’s arm is called the Imam-Zamin ceremony. This is followed by Magni (engagement ceremony), which usually takes place at the brides home when the exchanging rings between the groom and the bride takes place.
- Manjha: At this ceremony the bride wears yellow clothes and turmeric paste is applied all over her body by her female relatives. This turmeric pastes nourishes the skin and leaves the bride radiant and glowing naturally on her wedding day. After the application of turmeric, the bride is confined to her home. This is followed by Mehendi ceremony.
- Mehndi: This is one of most anticipated rituals of the Muslim wedding. This ceremony is held at the home of the bride. Female relatives of the bride or a mehendi artist apply mehendi paste to the brides hands and feet. This is a fun get together, which is strictly celebrated by female members of family and friends.
Wedding Rituals:
Welcoming The Baraat: The grooms arrival with his wedding procession or baraat consisting of relatives and friends at the wedding venue is announced by a band of musicians playing traditional songs or tunes. The groom shares a drink of sherbet with the bride's brother . The bride’s sisters plays pranks with the guests. They attempt to slap the guests playfully, using flower batons.
Nikaah Ceremony: This is the most significant ceremony of the Muslim Wedding. This ceremony is conducted by the Maulvi (priest). Close friends and relatives witness the happening of the event. The father of the bride and groom, addressed as Walis (witnesses), have an important role to play in the performance of nikaah. The priest reads certain verses from the Quran. A short sermon is normally given by the religious leader during the nikah. The sermon is a reminder of rights and responsibilities of the new couple towards one another. It acts as advice for some and a refreshment course for those in marital bliss. Thereafter, Ijab-e-Qubul (proposal and acceptance) takes place.
The bride is asked for her consent to the marriage and if she is satisfies with the mehar. Mehar (nuptial gift) is a mandatory price that the groom’s family is obligated pay to the bride. The quantum of the Mehar is decided upon the elderly members of both the families. Once the bride gives her approval , the marriage contract is reads to the groom. After the groom consents, the Nikaah-Nama or marriage contract which is a legal document is signed by the bride, the bridegroom, their Walis, the witnesses, Maulvi and/or the Qazi (law officer). For the legality of marriage, mutual consent is of vital importance.
After the Nikaah-Nama is signed, the priest recites a sermon called Khutba, consisting of verses from the Quran which were recited by the prophet. The priest explains the meaning of these verses to the audience with an explanation of the mutual rights and duties of the spouses.
Dinner, Prayers and Arsi Mushaf: A delicious meal is served and shared with the guests. Men and women dine separately. After dinner, the bridal couple are seated next to each other for the first time. The Arsi Mushaf is the ceremony in which the bridegroom first sees the face of the bride in a mirror held between them. The holy Quran is placed along with the mirror for seeking divine blessing for both. The bridal couple is covered using a dupaata (long scarf). Subsequently, the couple read prayers, as per the instructions of the Maulvi (preist). “Arsi” means a mirror and “Mushaf” means the Holy Quran.
Salami and Blessing the Groom: Subsequent to the Arsi Mushaf ceremony the bridegroom salutes (salam) the elders and receives their blessings by receiving presents or money from them. The presents and cash are known as Salami.
Post-Wedding Wedding
Rukshat Ceremony: This is when the bride’s family and friends bid her farewell, before she leaves for her new home with her husband. This is very emotional time for the bride and her parents. She leaves her paternal home with tears in her eyes as her father places her hand in the hands of her husband requesting him to always protect and care for his daughter.
Welcoming The Bride: The Quran is placed above the bride’s head by the grooms mother as the bride enters her new home for the first time. The mother-in-law gives her new daughter-in-law a warm welcome.
Chauthi Custom: This is a tradition the usually takes place on the fourth day after marriage, when the bride visits her parental house for the first time after her marriage.
Valimah Ceremony: This is a lavish and splendid reception party that is hosted by the groom’s family celebrating the marriage and the welcome of the bride into their family.
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