The Muslim Ceremony

"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."

The Muslim marriage is a simple, legal agreement in which either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to country. The officiant of the Muslim ceremony is the Molvi or Imam.

Barat - The groom's friends and family arrive at the bride's house or ceremony hall and are greeted by the bride's family.

Mahr - The gift that is given by the husband to his wife at wedding.

Nikaah - The bride and groom sign the necessary legal documents in front of the Molvi and their witnesses (friends and family). The bride and groom must consent to marry in the presence of the Molvi or Imam.

Ring Exchange - The Bride and groom exchange rings to finalize their vows.

Dua - The Molvie recites religious prayers from the Quran (Holy Book) to bless the couple.

Rukhsati - The bride's family bids farewell in an official "send off". This step symbolizes the bride's entrance into a new phase of her life.

Walima - Following the ceremony, the groom's family offers a wedding reception for family and friends to celebrate the marriage and introduce the newlyweds.

"The best garment is the garment of God-consciousness. It requires that a husband and wife should be as garments for each other. Just as garments are for protection, comfort, show and concealment for human beings, Allah expects husbands and wives to be for one another."