Wedding is a time to rejoice the union of two hearts. Indian weddings are worth watching. They show glimpses of rich culture and tradition of our country. Different religions witness different wedding rituals. Muslims have their own ritual and custom to follow.

Muslim weddings are considered a social contract. It lasts for over a period of five days. Muslim weddings are different from those of the Hindu’s. It is called “Nikha” in Urdu. The Nikha ceremony is carried out in the presence of the Maulvi or the Qazi. The Qazi recites readings from the holy Quran. The wedding ceremony is carried out in the presence of two witnesses each from the bride and the groom’s family. The ritual begins with the Ijab-e-Qubul (proposal and acceptance).

Muslim weddings include legal documentation called the “Nikhanaama”. It is a legal document that must be signed by the bride, groom, Maulvi and parents of both the parties. After this the marriage is considered to be legal. The “Nikhanaama” is a set of terms and conditions that needs to be approved by both the parties. A certain amount of Meher or bride-wealth is to be given to the bride by the groom. The groom takes blessings from the elder women’s of the family by offering them his salaam. The bride and the groom get the first glimpse of each other after the “Nikah” in the mirror. This is called Aarsi Mushaf.

Like any other Indian wedding, a Muslim wedding also ask for the consent of bride. In earlier days, wedding used to be held either at the bride’s or the groom’s place. Today due to availability of spacious accommodation weddings are carried out in banquet halls, community centers etc but this has not hampered the rituals associated with it.

The wedding rituals come to an end and the bride is bid a farewell. The bride’s father gives her hand to her husband and requests him to protect and take care of her. This is called the Rukhsat ceremony. The bride receives a grand welcome on her arrival at the groom’s place. Her mother-in-law holds the holy Quran over the bride’s head and she enters the house. The valimah ceremony is conducted where the groom’s family organizes a grand feast. It brings together both families and relatives to share the happiness of a new relationship. The couple then visits the bride’s house on the fourth day. This is called the Chauthi ceremony.

The Muslim rituals are very pleasant and simple that makes the wedding occasion very beautiful and memorable.