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Introduction

Muslim Marriage known as ‘Nikaah’ in Urdu, is a civil contract between two persons – a man and a woman for conjugal life and begetting children. It is a contract of a permanent nature, unless dissolved by divorce. It has attached to it a notion of sanctity as well, since every step in its materialisation and dissolution is guided by religious dictates.

It 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.

Muslim weddings have a place of their own when it comes to uniqueness and traditionalism. Among Muslims, it is the family of the groom-to-be which searches for a suitable bride.

Marriage through the generations

Islam does not permit inter-religious marriages. Muslims give preference to cousins because of some considerations like – pride of lineage and notions of purity of blood; family solidarity; the prospect of the Jahez or dowry given to the daughter at the time of marriage remains in the same family.

Family consideration is the most important factor, which is split into two categories – consideration pertaining to the bridegroom, and consideration pertaining to the bride. The groom is supposed to be qualified, hailing from status family, employed and of good nature, whereas the bride has to be good looking, well-behaved and possess good health. She must be well trained in household management responsibilities.

Costume

The wedding dress for the bride includes a Sharara, which is a long following skirt and blouse. There is a dupatta to cover the head. The groom wears a Sherwani or a traditional salwar and kurta. But there are no hard and fast rules here.

Rituals

Wherever the wedding is held, all the rituals of the three phases of wedding (pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding) are strictly followed by the Muslims.

Mangni (Betrothal)

Mangni is a popular marriage ceremony, which is fast making its presence felt at all Indian marriages. In this ceremony, the female members of the boy’s family visit the house of the girl, taking with them sweets, fruits and vegetables. The sweets are distributed among the relatives and friends of the girl’s family. In return sweets, fruits and vegetables are sent to the boy’s house and there also sweets are distributed among the relatives and friends of the boy’s family. Exchanging rings between the groom and the bride does also take place.

Nikah
Invited guests and relations assemble at the bridegroom’s place on the Nikah day when the groom wears the clothes received from the bride’s side. Sehra (a flower veil) is tied to the groom’s forehead by the brother-in-law, who in return receives some cash as a present from the elders of the family. The Parjas i.e. Barber, Sweeper, Washerman, gardener, tailor and domestic servants, etc., are given money and clothes to mark the auspicious occasion. The baarat then proceeds to the house of the bride.

Celebration
Music & Dance
The house-hold dancing girls dance in the Zenana (women’s apartment) demand Gur-Chawal before starting their dance. They naver sing in the assembly of men. They cut jokes at the cost of the Samdhans (female near relatives of the bride and the groom) at each other’s house. On the wedding night also they recite satirical and facetious songs relating to the guests and relatives of the groom which provide good amusement to the hearers.

Cuisine
Wedding feast has fancy dishes like the welcome juice, Non-vegetarian dishes, mutton and chicken Biriyanis, Salad, Pickle, dessert, etc.

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