Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Wedding Customs in Muslim Matrimony

Marriage is considered a sacred union in Muslim community and contrary to popular belief; monogamy is a common practice in the Muslim matrimony. Women have primary rights over his husband’s home and his children. The husbands are obligated to protect and provide financial and emotional to their wives. For this reason, the ceremony itself is a contract, which is conducted in an office. The best part is that the groom and his family discuss the contract with the bride’s family in advance and after complete agreement, the marriage is considered fixed.

The wedding ceremony in Muslim Matrimony starts when the couple goes to the Imam and expresses their intention to marry. The festivities and celebrations in the honor of the couple last several days, with great jubilation and joy.

The rituals in the Muslim matrimony vary country wise, but usually all have the same customs:

Henna Ceremony:

This ritual usually takes place the night before the big day, when the women apply on hands and feet of bride, symbolizing fertility and marital bliss, and avoid the evil eye. This tradition is accompanied with singing and dancing and can be done in the future husband.

Wedding Day:

The ceremony takes place at the home of the parents of the bride, in a community center or a mosque. During the wedding ceremony, a judge, two witnesses and guests gather. Then, both bride and groom are asked for their consent, and after the approval from both sides, a contract is signed that glorifies the name of God according to the rites of Islam. The first chapter of the Qur'an is read and an amount is collected from the groom, which is also known as Mehr, which is then used as insurance for the bride’s future.

Author: Rashmi Karan

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