Flores, Neil Patrick V. Aquino, Ricardo Lit 101 D

1. Muslim wedding
traditions

2. INTRODUCTION
Muslim wedding ceremony is celebrated with grandeur. Muslim wedding, known
as 'Nikaah' in Urdu, can take place at any convenient time, because there is
nothing like muhurat (the auspicious time) for the Muslims. Traditionally, the
Muslim wedding is held at either the bride or the groom's home. However, in the
present time, due to convenience and the availability of enough space to
accommodate the long list of guests, Muslim weddings are organized in banquet
halls, auditorium as well as community centers. Wherever the wedding is held, all
the rituals of the three phases of wedding are strictly followed by the Muslims.
Muslim wedding is divided into pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding rituals.
Pre-wedding rituals largely involve the exchange of sweets, fruits and visits to the
bride and groom's houses. The pre-wedding rituals increase the level of
excitement among the families of the bride and groom, who keenly look forward
to the wedding day. The wedding is organized in an elegant and charming way,
while the culmination of the entire ceremony, known as post wedding rituals, is
special in its own terms. If you are keen about knowing more about Muslim
wedding, then go through our section, where we have provided detailed
information on the rituals of Muslim wedding.

3. PRE WEDDING
• Istikhara, Imam-Zamin and Magni
The first phase of the pre-wedding Muslim rituals is
known as Istikhara, wherein the religious head takes
the approval of the Almighty to perform the wedding.
After the consent, the groom's mother pays a visit to
the bride's house along with sweets and Imam-
Zamin, a silver or gold coin wrapped in silken cloth. The
custom of tying the coin onto the upper portion of the
bride's hand is called the Imam-Zamin ceremony. This
is followed by Magni, which is a custom wherein the
groom's family members pay a visit to the bride's
house both the groom and the bride's family exchange
sweets and fruits.

5. • Manjha And Mehndi
At the Manjha ceremony, the bride wears
yellow clothes and turmeric paste is applied
all over her body. After the application of
turmeric, the bride is not supposed to step
out of the house. This is followed by Mehndi
ceremony, which is one of the much awaited
rituals of the Muslim wedding. Female
relatives of the bride apply turmeric paste all
over her body. The purpose is to make the
bride's skin glow naturally. A professional or a
relative applies Mehndi on the bride’s hands
and feet.

7. Muslim Wedding Rituals
• Welcoming The Baraat
To announce the arrival of groom’s baraat at
the doorsteps of the bridal residence or
wedding venue, the musicians play traditional
songs. The groom and the bride’s brother
share a drink of sherbet. The bride’s sisters
come up with different ideas of playing pranks
with the guests. They attempt to slap the
guests playfully, using flower batons.

8. • Nikaah Ceremony
Nikaah is the wedding ceremony that can take place at
some convenient venue or else at the bride or groom’s
residence. The ceremony is conducted by the Maulvi
(priest). Close friends and relatives witness the
happening of the event. The father of the bride and
groom, addressed as Walis, have an important role to
play in the performance of nikaah. The priest reads
certain verses from the Quran. Thereafter, Ijab-e-Qubul
(proposal and acceptance) takes place.
The groom's side sends the proposal and the bride’s
side gives her consent. For the legality of
marriage, mutual consent is of prime importance. On
the wedding day, the elderly members of both the
families decide the amount of Mehar (nuptial gift).
Mehar is a mandatory price that the groom’s family
must pay to the bride.

9. •
Nikaahnama
Nikaahnama is a legal document that must be
duly signed by the bride, bridegroom, Maulvi and
Walis for the marriage to be legal. It contains a
set of terms and conditions that must be abided
by both the parties.
Blessing The Groom
The bridegroom seeks the blessings from the
older women. As a mark of respect, the groom
offers them ‘salaam’. People give their heartiest
wishes to the newly wed.

11. • Dinner, Prayers and Aarsimashaf
The guests are served a lavish dinner. Men and
women are usually seated separately, for
dining. After the dinner, the newly wed get
the chance to sit together for the first time.
The heads of the bride and groom are covered
using dupatta. Thereafter, the newly wed read
prayers, as per the instructions of the Maulvi.
The Quran is placed between the bride and
groom and they are allowed to look at each
other only through mirrors.