Muslim Marriages Traditions

Marriage is a sacred institution. It is commonly said that God has made pair for everyone but the two people are united only when God desires. This world is very large. It is divided into a number of cultures and civilizations. Every civilization has some past. The ancient practices and the rituals that have been taking place since centuries play a great role in influencing the culture of every society.

There are common practices which are followed in the modern age also. One of such evidence can be seen in the Muslim marriage. Muslim marriages are performed according to the laws of "Sharriat ".

Marriage in Muslim society is rather a sensitive issue because of the harsh laws of divorce. Marriage proposal comes from the girl's side. Either the father or the guardian of the girl offers for the marriage to the boy who gives his acceptance in front of two witnesses. The witnesses must be Muslim.

Once acceptance comes from both sides, necessary preparations are done.

It is followed by a ceremony, which is known as "mangani" This is engagement ceremony when rings are exchanged between the boy and the girl. The outfit worn by the girl is provided by the groom's family.

After this another traditional ceremony known as "manjha" takes place. A paste of turmeric, sandal powder and oil is prepared and it is applied on the bride's body by the unmarried girls. Patterns of henna designs are made on her hands and feet. A small quantity of this is also applied on the groom's body.

Finally, on the wedding day, the groom and the bridegroom dressed in the best outfits make way towards the wedding hall.

Bride is given the wedding dress by the groom's family.

The procession of friends, relatives and family members headed by the groom proceed towards the bride's house. In the presence of two male members, lawyer and the groom, some of the holy lines of Koran are read. A priest then takes the consent of bride whether she is happy with the arrangement and agrees to get married.

After she agreed, groom's consent is also taken. A "nikah nama" is then signed by the groom, witnesses and finally by the bride. After this, groom is taken to the bride's tent where groom give gifts to the bride's sisters. Then two are sited together and Koran is placed between them and they see each other in mirror. Blessings are showered upon them. Dates and sweets are distributed to the guests.

In Muslim society, marriage is a contract between man and woman. The amount of "hakhmehar" which is amount fixed between elders of both parties is paid to the bride.

After the marriage, a feast is held where various delicacies are served to the guests. Finally, "rukhsaat", which means bride departure for her husband's home, takes place.

Four days after the marriage, bride comes to her parent's home and her husband comes to take her and her family to the reception party. This is a symbol of union of both families. Gifts are exchanged and the blessings for the good future are given to the couple.