Some Key Aspects Of A Muslim Wedding

By Author: Ankush Singhal
Total Articles: 173
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In the Muslim community, a marriage is a contract, which requires mutual consent and is open to additional conditions which can be negotiated. The terms and conditions of a wedding can be altered within legal limits. It is a divine institution that has elements of the sacrament as well as civil contract. These days, weddings are also arranged through matrimonial websites.

However, marriage is a sacrament and moral judgment. Moreover, the distinction between what is sacred and what is never been spelled out in Islam, on the contrary, any action or transaction has religious implications.

In the Muslim matrimony, every marriage is based on a contract that is required o be signed by both the bride and the bridegroom, in the presence of the priest as well as two witnesses. At the time of wedding, the bride and groom are defined about their rights and duties so that harmony can be maintained between the family and personal life of the couple.

Muslim Wedding Formalities:
A month before the big day, the certificate of civil marriage ...
... must be sent to the imam or the person in charge of marriage, who must be a Muslim. At the time of consent of the marriage at least two witnesses must be present. Usually the father and brother of the bride stand as witnesses.

Celebrations:
The rituals vary by country, but usually all have the same customs, which are.
1. Henna Ceremony
This ritual usually takes place the night before the wedding day. The girls apply henna on the hands and feet of the bride. Henna is the symbol of fertility and marital bliss and is also supposed to avoid the evil eyes. This tradition is accompanied with singing and dancing.

2. Wedding Day
The ceremony takes place at the home of the bride, in a room reserved for the occasion, or the mosque. It often begins with a Khoutbah (a speech devoted to Allah in Arabic) and reading some verses from the Koran. It also demands the presence of two witnesses who exchange their consent. The guardian of the bride is asked if he is ready to give away his daughter to the groom, and after his approval, wedding starts. Both the bride and bridegroom are asked for the consent and after receiving consent from both sides, the Imam makes some invocations on behalf of the newlyweds and issue the marriage certificate. After the legal proceeding, the celebrations start, followed by sumptuous dinner.

Some important points to bear in mind:
1. The bridegroom or his family has to gives a dowry (mahr) to the bride to safeguard her future.
2. According to traditions, men and women have to attend the wedding ceremonies from different rooms.
3. According to the Koran, the Muslim man is entitled to have several wives (up to four, as the prophet) provided he can ensure the same standard of living for all. However, polygamy is banned in various countries.
4. The bride may change clothes for seven times during the celebrations.