Muslim Marriage
The
Muslim marriage process is essentially comprised of the following
three steps:
Nikah - This is the
process by which a man and a woman become husband and wife. The short ceremony
is usually conducted by an Imam. A minimum of two witnesses are required to be
present in the nikah. The bride must always be accompanied by a Wali or guradian.
During this ceremony the mahr (or marriage gift) that the groom gives to his
bride is also decided. The Imam delivers the "Khutbah" of the nikah, which is a
sermon with Quranic verses and Islamic speech. The Nikah process makes both the
man and woman legal for each other as husband and wife.
Dukhlah - The Dukhlah
(or Rukhsati as it is referred to in the Indo-Pakistan regions), is the
process of "publicly" sending the bride and groom to live as husband and wife.
In many cultures this is a very elaborate ceremony. Visit the
Muslim Wedding
section to review details of some of the traditions in various Islamic countries
and cultures.
Walimah - Walimah is an
official lunch or dinner invitation by the groom and his family to their family
and friends to declare the marriage. In most countries, Walima is followed
within a day or two after the dukhlah.
The prophet
Muhammad (SAWS) said: "When the servant of Allah marries, he has fulfilled
half the (responsibilities laid on him by the) faith; so let him be God
conscious with respect to the other half". (Mishkat) -
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