Islamic Wedding Ceremonies
The Qu'ran states, "He has created spouses for you among yourselves so that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has planted love and mercy between you." [30:21] This shows that marriage is an act which Allah has intended to take place. Marriage is also supposed to be a decision made by the individuals, The Qu'ran also says, "...Marry the women of your choice..." [4:3] Similarly for women, Ibn Majah once said, "A girl came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and informed him that her father had married her to her cousin against her wishes, whereupon the Prophet allowed her to exercise her choice. She the said 'I am reconciled to what my father did but I wanted to make it known to women that fathers have no say in this matter'" This implies that forced marriages are against the traditional Islamic teachings.
English: picture of girl signing a 'nikahnama', th...
A Muslim couple being wed alongside the Tungabhadr...
English: Hindu marriage ceremony from a Rajput wed...Prier to the wedding, much preparation must be made, especially for the bride. She must be anointed with traditional oils all over her body, she is then rubbed with cleansing and conditioning oils. A few days before the wedding, is a night known as Laylat Al Henna when the brides hands and feet are decorated with henna to produce beautifully designed patterned stains and her hair is washed with amber and jasmine. The bride is only fed the best foods which are prepared for her by her friends. Traditionally, she is not seen for forty days except for her family members as she should rest at home before her wedding day. She is presented with gifts from her groop from which she makes a collection known as a Addahbia.
The traditional Islamic wedding ceremony is considered to be a social activity as well as an act of worship. There is...