Muslim Weddings
Muslim Weddings
Muslim Weddings
Muslim weddings are similar to Hindu weddings, except their rituals and traditions have different
names and vary slightly. Also, unlike Hindus, they do not have any auspicious time to get married
and choose a date that is most convenient to the bride and groom.
Pre-Wedding Rituals:
The Mangni ceremony:
This is kind of like an engagement ceremony where the bride and groom exchange rings.
The groom’s family presents the bride with new clothes.
Wedding rituals:
Arrival of the groom:
The groom goes to the wedding venue on a horse or in a car and his family and friends
accompany him throughout the way. The lavish procession consists of dhol beats, music
and dancing. The groom and his family come with gifts for the bride. On his arrival, the
groom and the brother of the bride share a drink of sherbet (juice).
Nikaah:
This is the main wedding ceremony among Muslims. Sometimes, the bride and groom are
made to sit in different rooms or with a curtain drawn between them. The quazi (priest)
asks the bride if she agrees to marry the groom. The groom is asked the same.
Mehar is money that the groom’s family is supposed to present the bride with at the
wedding day. The amount is decided and mehar is offered.
Once they agree, they are made to sign a document with a set of terms and conditions.
After he proposes and she agrees, the groom is taken to the women’s section where he
gifts money to the sisters of the bride. Elders then gift the couple and bless them.
Dinner is served separately to men and women. After the lavish first meal, the bride and
groom and seated together with a scarf covering their heads and are made to read
prayers. The Quran is kept between them and they are only allowed to see each other
through mirrors. This is called Aarsimashaf.
Post – Wedding rituals:
Rukhsat:
This Muslim wedding ritual refers to when the bride bids farewell to her family. The father
of the bride gives her hand to her husband, asking to protect her always.
Chauthi:
Four days after the wedding, the bride visits her parents’ house. She is greeted with a
grand welcome.
Walima:
This Muslim wedding function is the reception after the wedding that is hosted by the
groom’s family. It is a cheerful occasion where friends and family are invited to celebrate
the bond among two families.