Afghan-Marriages-traditions
Marriage is the auspicious occasion which demand
gathering. The marriage demands celebration and community feast
accompanied with lots of thrills. Afghan marriage is generally accustomed
with the traditions and rituals which have been the part of the
ancient culture. Though different tribes are accustomed with the
somewhat different rituals, but laws remain same throughout the
nation. In Afghanistan , marriage is a much celebrated event where
the entire atmosphere hives with activity.
Afghan marriage is generally accustomed with the traditions and
rituals which have been the part of the ancient culture.Though different
tribes are accustomed with the somewhat different rituals, but laws
remain same throughout the nation.
In Afghanistan , marriage is a much celebrated event
where the entire atmosphere hives with activity.
Marriage between the first cousins is a common practice.
When the girl attains the age of ten, search for a prospective groom
is initiated by the women folk. Mother and aunts meet the female
friends to consult various prospective candidates.
The status of the guy, his background and his looks
are considered before deciding the issue. The choice is then presented
before the men folk and they take necessary inquires before finalizing
the alliance. Once everything is found suitable, the pre-wedding
ceremonies are performed to give a public approval of the things.
Actual marriage generally takes place when girl attains
the age of sixteen. According to the local tradition, every marriage
requires two exchanges. A dowry is brought by the bride to the husband's
house. It generally constitutes household items which the couple
will need for their future life together.
On the other side, "mahr" which is the
price for the girl is paid by the groom. It generally consists of
livestock, property and money.
Wedding day is the day of great activity for the family.
Gathering of friends and relatives is held to compliment the couple
and their families. Whole environment presents a festive look. Special
dishes are prepared which include kababs grilled on skewers, nan
which is Afghan bread in flat and oval shaped, stewed vegetables
and rice cooked with meat.
In the evening, women sit inside the courtyard. The
men sit in "hujara", which is a large room with Afghan
carpets and cushions. Hujara is place where men sit. In Afghanistan
and other traditional Islamic cultures, it is customary to have
men and women separated at social events.
Every arrangement for the comforts of the guests is
done. In the evening, a feast is organized. As is dictated by the
Pushtun tradition of hospitability, the hosts will not eat until
after the guests have had their fill.In the end, music is played
to mark the atmosphere with gaiety and excitement.
The Afghan laws govern the marriages . A Muslim man
can marry a non Muslim woman but a non Muslim woman cannot marry
a Muslim man. When a Muslim man wants to marry a foreign woman who
is non-Muslim and the woman is not "kitabi" that is of
the book, she must first convert to Islam. In either case, the court
will only register the marriage religiously, with the "nekah
ceremony".
When both the parties are Muslim, the Family Court will register
the marriage and perform the Muslim "nekah"ceremony. The
"nekah"is comprised of the "igaba wa qabul"
which is an acceptance agreement and the "khotba".
In case of both non-Muslim foreigners, the court
will register the marriage by performing solely the "igaba
wa qabul" or acceptance agreement. The court will also seek
to apply the regulations which govern marriages in the couples'
home country. Though Afghan law permits polygamy but American men
will not be allowed to marry multiple women.
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