Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

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MUSLIM WEDDINGS
It is quite normal in Islam for relatives outside the immediate family to marry, and thought preferable that the new husband or wife is someone whose character and background is well known and understood. Muslims are urged to choose their partners very carefully, and remain loyal to them for the rest of their lives, for it is hoped in due course that the wife will become a mother and the husband a father. A. Arranged marriages For this reason, Muslim marriages are often arranged for young couples by their parents. In the West, most young people think it is natural to fall in love, get
"There has not been engaged, and then married. Muslims sometimes created any institution
i Isiam which is regard 'being under the influence of love' as a
more favoured dangerous and intoxicating state of mind that could and dearer to Allah
than marriage." easily cloud the judgement. Parents will always seek to find good, compatible
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) partners for their children, and they may not approve of an unwise romance. However, marriages should always be with the consent of both partners, and they have the right to disagree with the parent's choice. A forced marriage is usually doomed to failure. B. The wedding The actual ceremony is a very simple affair, and the bride does not even have to go, as long as she sends two witnesses of her agreement. If the wedding is to take place at a mosque she may wear a white wedding dress. If she is from Pakistan she will put on scarlet shalwar trousers and tunic, and all the gold jewellery she owns. She may paint a pattern in red henna on the palms of her hands and the soles of her feet. The wedding takes only a few moments, and consists of reading from the Qur'an, the exchange of vows in front of witnesses, and prayers. No special religious official is necessary - any two adult male witnesses will do; but often the Imam (teacher) is present for the happy occasion. C. Walima The walima is a party given for all friends and family. It usually consists of a sumptuous meal and lots of presents are given, sometimes money. It takes place within three days of the wedding. As this is a religious occasion, the women celebrate separately from the men. It is considered very wrong for an invited person not to attend.
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