Muslim weddings are soaked in culture and tradition. They are just as joyful as they are spiritual. With their soothing decor and their finger-licking good food, Muslim weddings have made their well-deserved space in our hearts. 

On that note, let's take you through the mesmerizing Muslim wedding rituals. 

Muslim Wedding Rituals

Just like the rich Islamic culture, Muslim wedding rituals are as heartwarming as it gets. You must get yourself acquainted with the sacred Muslim wedding rituals if you are to attend a Muslim wedding or get married in a Muslim wedding ceremony. So, let's get to know all about Muslim wedding rituals. 

Salatul Ishtikara

The Muslim wedding ritual of Salatul Ishtikara involves the families of the soon-to-be-wedded couple seeking the guidance of a religious figure, known as the Imam, who presides over the nearest mosque. Together, they perform specific religious prayers, seeking blessings for the couple's union. In this ceremony, the couple seeks blessings for their wedding from Allah and their elders. 

Imam Zamin 

On this blissful day, the groom's mother embarks upon the sacred Muslim wedding tradition of visiting the bride. She adorns her future daughter-in-law's wrists with a silk scarf, carefully enveloping a precious gold or silver coin within. The ceremony signifies the official welcome of the bride to her new family. 

Mangni 

A ceremony is arranged to officially bind the two individuals in a sacred union. The bride and groom, surrounded by their loved ones, partake in an intimate ritual of exchanging rings. In addition, families exchange gifts such as dried fruits, jewelry, and more.

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Manjha 

The concoction is made of three ingredients: turmeric, rose water, and sandalwood. During the Muslim wedding ritual of Manjha, every female member of the family participates by taking turns applying the paste to the bride. After this Muslim wedding ritual, the bride must not go out of her house until the day of the wedding. This Muslim wedding tradition is performed at the groom’s house as well. 

Mehendi 

During the Mehendi ceremony, the bride's hands and feet are adorned with intricate henna designs. It is a customary practice to incorporate the groom's initials within the patterns adorning the hands. Traditionally, the application of mehendi was entrusted to a family member, but nowadays, people like to get it done by professional mehendi artists. 

Sanchaq 

During this Muslim wedding ritual, the groom's family visits the bride to give her splendid bridal attire, exquisite adornments, and other delightful presents. The ceremony takes place one or two days before the wedding.

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Baraat

A procession known as the Baraat commences from the groom's house and reaches the wedding venue. Typically, the bride's family arranges for a family member to accompany the groom to the wedding car. The celebration is marked by a vibrant display of music and dance, where the family members engage in a joyful procession. 

Welcome of the Baraat

Upon his arrival at the wedding venue, the groom is warmly greeted by the bride's family members. As he steps into the venue, a warm reception awaits him. His brother-in-law offers him a refreshing glass of sweet Sherbet. 

As the relatives of the groom step into the wedding venue, they are warmly greeted and embraced. To mark their arrival and honor their presence, a lavish ceremony ensues, with the air delicately scented by the perfume of ittar or refreshing rose-water mist. 

Nikah 

The Nikah ceremony, which is the main Muslim wedding ritual, is carried out under the guidance of a religious priest or Maulvi. The seating arrangement for this ceremony involves segregating the men and women. The women gather around the bride, while the men are positioned near the groom. In the tradition of the groom's family, the bride is bestowed with a sum of money called Mehr. This predetermined amount serves as a means for seeking her approval for the union with the groom. 

The Nikah proceeding is initiated by the Maulvi, who begins by reciting a prayer from the Quraan. Next, the officiant inquires if the bride is willing to wed the groom by accepting the Mehr. This is the moment when he asks the bride the phrase 'Qubool Hain?' (Do you give your consent) three times. The bride is required to respond with "Qubool Hain" three times. Afterward, the Maulvi proceeds to the groom and carries out the same procedure once again. 

This Muslim wedding custom goes by the name of Ijab-e-Qubool. To keep them from catching a glimpse of one another, the bride and groom must maintain a physical distance and stay apart. After the Ijab-e-Qubool, the Nikahnama or marriage contract is signed. The responsibilities and rituals of both the bride and the groom, as mandated by the Quran, are detailed in the Nikahnama. 

It is necessary for at least two individuals, representing each party, to be present and witness the signing of the marriage contract by both the groom and the bride. Afterwards, the religious discourse known as Khutba is recited. 

Instead of repeating these vows, the bride and groom should simply listen to them. After reciting their vows, the newlywed couple receives blessings from the elders of the family during the ceremony of duruds. 

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Arsi Musharraf

This marks the official Muslim wedding custom when the couple lays eyes on each other for the first time, following the completion of the wedding day customs. The faces of both the bride and groom are concealed by garments till this moment. Uniquely, a mirror is placed on the Quran, which is considered sacred. The couple is supposed to gaze at each other through the mirror's reflection.

Rukhsat 

After the wedding ceremony concludes, the bride tearfully bids farewell to her family and departs for her husband's residence. When she arrives at her in-law's house, the mother-in-law warmly greets her, reminding her of her responsibilities as a wife and blessing her by placing the Quran on her head. 

Walimah 

Muslim marriage includes a grand celebration known as the Walimah. This Muslim wedding ritual is characterized by grandeur, with the couple seated regally on a throne upon a stage. They graciously greet each attendant of the reception individually. This ceremony typically features an extravagant banquet, brimming with grandeur and revelry. A wide variety of delicious Indian dishes are served for everyone to savor. 

Chauthi  

During the Muslim wedding ritual of Chauthi, the husband goes to his mother-in-law's house. It takes place four days after the wedding day. The bride's family prepares a big meal to welcome their son-in-law into their home.

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Final Words

Attending a Muslim wedding is an exhilarating experience in itself and if you ever find yourself invited to one, make sure to go. It is an experience that you will always cherish. 

For more Muslim wedding inspiration, follow WeddingBazaar on Instagram!

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