Muslim marriages can develop in different ways, depending on the culture and religion. Although Muslim men can get married outside of the Islamic religion, Muslim women cannot.
Traditions
The most well-known tradition is that it is the groom’s family who find the bride. A Muslim wedding is a union between a man and a woman, and their guardian. The wedding involves a contract in which a mutually agreed amount is paid, and it is up to the groom to pay for it at the time. This payment can be waived if both parties agree.
When the contract is forumulates, the bride cannot be present, even if her father or guardian is. If it is decided that the bride should not be present, she must have two witnesses to corroborate that she grants her power of attorney to her representative to arrange the contract and also that she agrees to the amount paid.
Another tradition is that it is the bride’s father who gives the wedding gift and the groom must accept it, in the presence of two Muslim witnesses. The bride has the right to receive an amount from the contract with which she can do as sle pleases. The amount she receives might be physical, in money, or material goods.
Mangni- Engagement ceremony
The ring exchange takes place in this ceremony. The bride’s dress for this occasion will be an outfit given to her by the groom’s family. When the engagement takes place, they have a period of approximately three months to get married. If they don’t manage to get married within this time frame, the contract has to be renewed. During the celebration of the engagement, the bride must be accompanied by either her father or brother in order to be with the groom.
The wedding date
The Muslim calendar follows the lunar cycle, so there are no fixed dates for weddings. Although it’s forbidden to get married during Eid, which is after Ramadan and the Pilgrimage, it is also forbidden to have your wedding on the day of Ashura, which is the ninth or tenth day of the first month in the Islamic calendar.
When the date of the wedding is decided, the Imam from the Mosque has to be consulted, and the groom needs to arrange his present for the bride as soon as possible, as it’s a very important part of the ceremony.
Celebration
A Muslim wedding can be officiated by anyone who understands and respects Islamic traditions, although it is usually done by the official of the Mosque.
Wedding guests
A Muslim wedding may be attended by guests of all religions, although they must wear appropriate clothing, and not wear low-cut or revealing clothing.
Manjha
On the days coming up to the wedding the bride must receive a massage made with saffron paste, which takes place at the bride’s house. The paste is made of saffron, sandalwood and jasmine oil, and it has to be provided by the groom’s family.
The bride is also tattooed with henna. The henna can only be applied by single women. The tattoos are done on the bride’s hands and feet. After this the bride cannot leave her house until her wedding day.
On the wedding, the bride’s outfit should be a present from the groom’s family. A symbol will be affixed to the groom in the form of a sign.
The groom’s procession
Traditionally, on the wedding day there’s a procession of friends and family members to accompany the groom from his house to the wedding venue, although he may also travel by car.
Arrival of the groom
When the groom arrives at the ceremony venue, he is accompanied by drums and traditional musical instruments. When he arrives, it is tradition for the groom and the bride’s brother to exchange a glass of Sherbet and money. The bride’s sisters greet the guests by touching them with a cane decorated with flowers.
Nikah – Wedding ceremony
The ceremony must take plae in a covered area, and if there is no covered area available, a marquee will be put up. At more traditional ceremonies, the men and women sit separately.
Before proceeding to the reading of the Qur’an, the officiate asks the bride if she is happy with the agreement and if she agrees to marry the groom. Afterwards, they ask the groom the same question.
The bride and groom listen to the Muslim official’s sermon. Each official decides what to recite during the wedding – usually some recite the first chapter of the Qur’an and make a blessing. The next step is registering the marriage, firstly signed by the groom and the two witnesses, and then by the bride. The wedding documents have to be filled out in the Mosque. The groom goes to the women’s side where he offers money and presents to the bride’s sisters. The groom greets the older women of the family and receives their blessing.
Traditionally, coins are thrown at the bride, although now it’s more common to throw confetti.
Following this is the meal, in which men and women are separated. The groom’s family celebrates separately. After the groom and bride sit together and cover their heads with a large scarf whilst the imam and the couple say some prayers. The Qur’an is between them and they are able to look at each other through the reflections in the mirrors.
First night as bride and groom
The groom spends the night at the bride’s house, but in a separate room with the bride’s older brother. The following morning, the bride’s parents give the groom clothes, presents and money. In the afternoon, the family accompanies the newly-weds to their new house.
Rukhsat
Back at the bride and groom’s house, the bride’s father gives her hand to the groom and asks him to protect her forever. Their final farewells then take place.
Another tradition that sometimes occurs is when the bride enters the new house for the first time, her mother-in-law holds the Qur’an over the couple’s heads. Four days after the wedding, the bride goes to her parents’ house. The marriage reception takes place when the groom takes the bride home to his family for a reception hosted by his family. This is when the two families become one.
Presents
Before and after the wedding, gifts are exchanged between the bride and groom’s family.
Clothing
The bride’s dress is usually cherry red. The bride is also adorned with flowers and jewels. Her head is also covered with a veil as a sign of respect – the length can vary, with some covering not just the head but also the shoulders, and even sometimes the waist as well.
The bridal preparation usually takes several days. The bride’s dress is usually wrapped around the bride, with one end being placed at the waist and wrapped around the body, and the other end falling on the shoulder. The dress material is usually made of silk and embellished with a beautiful pattern.
The groom’s outfit is usually a silk brocade suit and a turban.
Traditionally, the Arab bride wears a white dress and veil, with her hands and feet covered in henna, and the groom wears simple, traditional clothes or a Western suit.
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