Some Basics of a Muslim Matrimony

The Muslim religion is the second largest in the world and was founded by the prophet Muhammad. Many of the followers of Islam are residing in India. The religion has its emphasis on the community more than the practice and is also a guide to the principles of political, economic and social life. The word Islam means "surrender", so all Muslims are expected to surrender completely to the will of Allah, the supreme God, whose provisions are found in the Koran (Islamic sacred scriptures). So, absolutely everything intervening in the spiritual and earthly life is established in the Koran, including, of course, the rules that guide the family and Muslim matrimony. Marriage is considered a sacred union as defined by Islamic law, and contrary to popular belief, monogamy is a common practice in the Muslim Matrimony. Women have primary rights on their home and their sons and husbands are obligated to protect and fulfill their basic necessities. For this reason, the ceremony itself is a private, civil and religious contract, which takes place in the mosque (Muslim shrine) and is registered in the registry office as well. The agreement set out in that contract of the Muslim matrimony should be discussed in advance by the bridegroom to be and the closest male relative of the bride to be. The closest male relative may not necessarily be her father. The bride must have consent to the marriage alliance. The couple needs to appear before an Islamic judge (called sheikh) along with the witnesses for consummation of the marriage. The judge asks the groom to present the bride with dowry, and it must include gold, money and gifts, ensuring to secure the future of the bride. Once the bride and groom reach this agreement, they sign the papers and under Islamic law, the bride and groom are declared as legally and spiritually bound, i.e. married! After the wedding, the bride returns to her parents to plan the "celebration" of the wedding, which takes place in one or two weeks. On the second or third night, a wedding banquet is held, and it is the time when the bride and groom can friends and family to celebrate the wedding alliance. The celebrations are marked by the traditional music, songs, dances and the traditional dance of the veil for women. At the end of the last night of the banquet, the couple appears and ascends the throne at the place of honor. For this occasion, the bride wears a white wedding dress. Traditionally, after this public appearance, the couple turns to their new home to formally consummate their marriage. The public celebration of marriage is a series of celebrations and festivals. Festivities continue for quite a long period, where the families of the bride and groom, their relatives and friends gather to celebrate and have feast. The wedding celebrations are done at the bride’s home, a hotel or a lounge, and are financed by the groom's family. After the festivities in the Muslim matrimony conclude, the first night after the wedding is a festival for women. The lady members of the family help the bride to get dressed up in a caftan called ceremonial dress and her hands and feet are decorated with intricate patterns of henna. The union between the Muslim religions with other religions is permitted in the Muslim matrimony. However, the problem is cultural union to receive the same protection that exists under Islamic law. The communities usually do not approve such marriages, but legally, it is approved and the non-Muslims can also marry Muslims as per the agreements of the families of both bride and groom.