Muslim
Wedding Culture and Traditions
In the Muslim world, marriage customs and traditions vary as much
as the colors in a rainbow. All retain the Islamic obligatory acts,
which make a marriage valid and include other practices, which are
individual to their surrounding cultures. Here are customs from
some parts of the Muslim world. Please note: not all Muslim marriage
customs are necessarily in line with Islamic values.
Here are customs from some parts of the Muslim world. Please note:
not all Muslim marriage customs are necessarily in line with Islamic
values.
India and Pakistan
In the Indian subcontinent, a marriage is reserved
to three days of customs and traditions.
The Mehndi is the event where you put henna on the
bride and groom's hands. Marked by traditional songs and dances,
it sometimes extends to two days - one day over at the groom's place
to put henna on his hand and the second day over at the bride's
house to put henna on hers.
The actual Nikah is called a Shadi, which is traditionally
done by the bride's side. This is the signing of official paperwork
in the presence of an Imam. After signing these papers and doing
some religious ceremony, the couple is declared husband and wife.
To celebrate, guests eat of the many lavish dishes that are served.
To announce the marriage officially the Walima takes
place as a feast given by the groom's family. Both husband and wife
welcome the guests and mingle with them while people eat dinner.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
As a tradition in the UAE, the setting of the wedding
date marks the beginning of the bride's preparation for her wedding.
Although the groom is also put through a series of preparations,
the bride's are more elaborate and time consuming.
She is lavished with all sorts of traditional oils
and perfumes from head to toe. Traditionally, she is not seen for
forty days by anyone except for family members as she rests at home
in preparation for her wedding day.
During the week which precedes the wedding, traditional
music, continuous singing and dancing take place, reflecting the
joy shared by the bride and the groom's families.
Laylat Al Henna (literally, the night of the henna),
which takes place a few days before, is very special night for the
bride, since it is a ladies' night only.
On this night, the bride's hands and feet are decorated
with henna. The back-to-back feasts and celebrations involve both
men and women who usually celebrate separately.
Egypt
Egypt has been exposed to many civilizations, such
as the Greek, Roman and Islamic ones. The marriage customs of Egyptians
make it easy for a couple to get to know one another, for the families
meet often.
It starts by the suitor's parents visiting his fiancee's
house to get her family approval to complete the marriage and reaching
an agreement, which contains two main items: an amount of money,
called Mahr, paid by the suitor to his fiancee's family to help
them prepare the furniture of their daughter and a valuable jewelry
gift, called Shabka, given by the suitor to his fiancee. The value
of this gift depends on the financial and social levels of the suitor's
family.
When the two parties complete the agreement, they
fix an appointed date for the engagement party. When the house of
the new family becomes ready, the two families fix a date for the
wedding party.
The night before wedding day, the relatives, friends
and neighbors get together to celebrate "the Henna Night".
The next day, the marriage contract is signed and
registered. After sunset, the wedding party starts and the couple
wears their best dresses and jewelry.
Malaysia
In the Malaysian tradition, the bride and groom are
treated as "king and queen for a day".
During the betrothal, the pre-wedding meeting between
the bride and the groom's parents, the dowry that will be given
to the bride is determined as well as the date of the solemnization.
he berinai (henna application) ceremony is held prior
to the wedding. The bride's palms and feet are 'decorated' with
the dye from the henna leaves. Akad Nikah, which is the signing
of the contract, is normally presided over by a Kadhi, a religious
official of the Syariat (Shariat) Court. A small sum of money called
the Mas Kahwin seals the contract.
The recent trend is to hold the solemnization in the
mosque as was performed during the Prophet Muhammad's (peace and
blessings be upon him) time.
Singapore
In the tradition of Singapore,
the Mak Andam (beautician) as well as members of the bride's family
will waylay the groom and ask for an 'entrance fee after the bride
is ready. Only when they are satisfied with the amount would they
allow the groom to see his bride.
After successfully overcoming the 'obstacles',
the marriage ceremonies take place. Relatives sprinkle petals and
rice (fertility symbols) on the couple seated on the 'throne'.
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