Muslim wedding is a manifestation of Islamic
tradition that involves mingling of single Muslim and single Muslima in bond of
nikaah. A typical Muslim marriage is an elaborate affair involving a big social
gathering and lots of celebrations. The main event of Muslim wedding is
preceded by pre-marriage events and followed by post-marriage festivities.
To look into other facets of a Muslim wedding, you need to
read on:
1. Nikaah
Nikaah is the essence of a Muslim wedding. It is a legal
contract between single Muslim and single Muslima who show their consent to
live as husband and wife while fulfilling each other rights. A Nikaah is performed
in presence of a Qazi who reads Quranic verses before and after completion of
the Nikaah.
2. Rukhsati
Rukhsati means “departure” in English. As its name
suggests, this event follows departure of the bride from her ancestral home and
beginning of her marital life with her in-laws. After Rukhsati, the bride is entitled
to is legally and religiously entitled to live with her husband.
3. Valima
After Rukhsati, the groom and his family formally invite
his family and friends over a lunch or dinner as a way to announce his
marriage. Traditionally, the valima event is celebrated at a banquet where the guests
are gathered together and served with delicious foods and beverages.
4. Attire
Traditionally, Muslim groom prefers to wear a “Sherwani
suit” in marriage, while the bride puts on a wedding “Sharara”. In western
countries, however, the groom wears a three-piece-suit, while a bride wears a
gown. The guests are expected to wear the dress as per the “dress code” of the
event. As a general rule, it is appropriate to wear a sherwani if you are a man
and shalwar kameez if you are a woman.
5. Festivities
Once the couple becomes husband and wife, their
immediate family, extended family and close friends invite them over an
elaborate lunch or dinner as a way to honor the newly-wed couple. A typical festivity
of a Muslim involves delicious foods, sweets and beverages.
6. Gifts
It is customary for guests to present gifts to the
newly-wed. You can give any gift to the couple as long as it is in accordance
with Islamic tradition. If you are one of the friends of the couple, it is
better to ask the couple before picking a gift.
Mentioned above are some of the common traditions of a
Muslim wedding. Except for the religious obligations, the customaries could
change according to the country and community of the couple.
