Introduction

Muslim weddings

Muslim weddings vary enormously according to the culture of the people involved.

Many people in the UK, for example, confuse the celebrations at a Pakistani or Bangladeshi wedding with an
Islamic wedding, and assume they are the same thing. This is not so, of course, for many of the Muslims who
marry are from widely different cultures - for example European, Turkish, African, Malaysian, and so on.

Secondly, it is important to realise that the 'wedding' means different things too. For many Muslims, it is the
Islamic ceremony that counts as the actual wedding, and not the confirmation of that wedding in a registry
office.

Oddly enough, although mosques are obviously places of worship, the majority of them in the UK have not yet
been officially registered as such, and so any Islamic wedding that merely takes place at a mosque has to be
registered legally with the UK law as well, in order to be seen as valid in the UK.

Having said that, of course it is a fact that many couples live together these days as 'partners', and 'common law
wives' have recently been accorded various legal rights they were not entitled to previously.

Top

Muslim law

A legal contract

In Islam, a person should be properly married, and this should include both the religious ceremony and the legal
requirements of the law of the land - something not of prime concern to certain Muslims. However, Muslims
who marry without legal registration are putting their womenfolk at some risk, and their children are not
legitimate in the eyes of the UK law - and no Muslim should wish to put his wife and children in this difficult
position.

In Islam, marriages are not considered to be 'made in heaven' between 'soul-mates' destined for each other; they
are not sacraments. They are social contracts which bring rights and obligations to both parties, and can only be
successful when these are mutually respected and cherished.

If and when such contracts are broken, either party is entitled to seek divorce. It is not assumed that a couple
will remain together 'till death do us part'. Islam is realistic, and aware that many marriages go wrong and break
down for all sorts of reasons. However, most marriages commence with the best of intentions, and the state of
marriage is regarded as the ideal way for Muslims to live. Celibacy is disapproved, as it may lead to all sorts of
psychological and physical tensions and problems. Sexual intimacy outside marriage is forbidden to Muslims,
including all varieties of relationship - homosexual as well as heterosexual.

It is important, therefore, that persons getting married should do their utmost to make the partner happy and
satisfied in every respect. Truly practising Muslims will keep the rules, and may only have one sexual partner in
the whole of their lives. In some Muslim communities divorce is common and frequent, but in others it is
strongly disapproved of and divorced women would find it difficult to find a later partner.
In Islam, it is commendable if women can be taken care of, and so efforts should be made to settle them with
good husbands so far as is possible. Many Muslim marriages are very happy, sometimes even if the couple have
not seen each other before the marriage, but have trusted in the judgement of their parents to arrange a good
match for them. However, it is recommended that prospective spouses do see each other, and have a guardian
or wali to make discreet inquiries about the intended to discern if the marriage has a good chance of success.

Polygyny

At the time of the revelation of the Qur'an it was normal procedure for men to have more than one wife, up to
the limits of their ability to support them. Also, powerful and wealthy women also had marital arrangements
with more than one partner. One difference between Islam and other faiths is that to this day a man may have
more than one wife, up to the limit of four wives simultaneously - so long as it is not done to the detriment and
hurt of the existing Muslim partner(s).

The refusal to hurt or abuse another Muslim is a basic requirement in Islam, and is assumed in polygamous
marriage considerations. If a man feels unable to treat all parties with kindness, love and scrupulous fairness, he
is ordered by God not to take more than one wife. Muslim women are required to have only one husband at a
time - they may still marry more than one man in a lifetime, but consecutively.

In Islam, not every person consummates their marriage physically straight away; sometimes the girl may be very
young, and it is considered more suitable to wait until she is older. Sometimes the couple may not be able to live
together for some reason. A wedding contract may be arranged, signed and witnessed without the bride actually
being present, or intending to live with the spouse straight away.

Muslims are encouraged to look for a spouse on the grounds of compatibility through piety, rather than for good
looks, or wealth, or prestige. People from very diverse backgrounds can be very happy together if their
understanding and practice of Islam is compatible.

Top

Mahr and the ceremony

Arranged marriage

A Muslim husband has to agree a financial deal with the prospective wife before
marriage.

Muslim marriages are frequently arranged by the parents of the young people. This is
not an Islamic necessity, but parents are encouraged to do their best to see their
offspring settled with good life-partners. Although divorce is allowed, the ideal is to settle
down with a life-partner, and of all the things God does permit, divorce is said to be the
thing He likes least.
Most young Muslims live sheltered lives, and are not encouraged to mix freely with the
opposite sex - and consequently are protected from the business of 'falling in love',
which can lead to all sorts of heartaches, clouded judgement, unsuitable relationships,
and tragic consequences.

It is forbidden in Islam for parents (or others) to force, coerce, or trick youngsters
into marriage. Unfortunately, there have been cases in the UK where this has
happened amongst Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs from the Indian subcontinent - but
publicity and education in Islam is improving the situation rapidly. Although many
marriages are arranged, it has to be with the willing consent of the couple involved, and
they should be able to reject possible suitors without embarrassment.

A Muslim girl (and boy) is expected to be a virgin at the time of the first marriage.
Obviously, this would not be the case for a subsequent marriage.

Mahr

A Muslim husband has to agree a financial deal with the prospective wife before
marriage. This money present is known as the mahr, and is a payment made to the
bride which is hers to keep and use as she wishes. The reason is that even if the girl has
nothing, she becomes a bride with property of her own. If the bride later seeks a divorce
which the husband does not wish for, she is allowed to return him the money and seek
what is known as a khul divorce. Normally, if a divorce takes place for the usual reasons,
the bride would be entitled to keep the mahr.

Sometimes a bride (or her family) demands an enormous mahr. The Prophet (pbuh) set
the example of modest sums, and many Muslim women generously use their money to
support their husbands and families in some way, although they are not obliged to do so.

If a woman has money of her own, she is not obliged to spend it on her husband or
family, but a Muslim husband has the obligation to be able to keep and support his wife
and children himself, at his own expense. If a wife goes out to work, or donates money,
this is to her credit and is regarded as an act of charity (sadaqah).

The ceremony

The actual Muslim wedding is known as a nikah. It is a simple ceremony, at which the
bride does not have to be present so long as she sends two witnesses to the drawn-up
agreement. Normally, the ceremony consists of reading from the Qur'an, and the
exchange of vows in front of witnesses for both partners. No special religious official is
necessary, but often the Imam is present and performs the ceremony. He may give a
short sermon.

There are certain things which are basic to all Muslim marriages. Marriages have to be
declared publicly. They should never be undertaken in secret. The publicity is usually
achieved by having a large feast, or walimah - a party specifically for the purpose of
announcing publicly that the couple are married and entitled to each other.
Many wedding customs are a matter of culture and not of Islam. The bride and groom
may be obliged to sit on 'thrones' on a platform, to be seen by the guests. They may
receive gifts, or gifts of money.

The majority of brides favour a traditional white wedding dress, but brides from the
Asian subcontinent often favour a shalwar-qameez outfit in scarlet with gold thread, and
have their hands and feet patterned with henna. They might also have vast feasts with
hundreds of guests, usually with the males in a separate room from the females. Other
Muslims have simple celebratory parties with only close friends and relatives.

In some cultures there may be dancing, firing of guns, lots of noise and hilarity. Asian
weddings often include pre-nuptial parties and gathering too - the whole process may
last several days.

4 Important Muslim Wedding

Ceremony Rituals and Traditions,
Explained
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Mehndi

Also known as henna, mehndi is a skin decoration that is applied to the bride's hands
and feet, as well as to those of other women in the bride and groom's family. This
festive, colorful celebration includes lots of music and women in traditional lenghas.

Barat

The Barat is the groom's arrival at the bride's home. You may see a groom riding in on
a decorated white horse, surrounded by revelers. With lots of music and dancing, the
bride's family welcomes the groom with a floral garland and sweets.
See more: 11 Traditional Wedding Vows to Steal from Religious Ceremonies

Nikah

This is the ceremony in which the marriage license is signed. The nikah ceremony is
essentially the groom's formal proposal (with at least two witnesses in attendance), as
well as the couple's acceptance of the marriage contract. In a more traditional
marriage ceremony, the bride's father or another representative will agree to the
marriage contract on her behalf. The nikah is more of a legal agreement than a
religious ceremony, so this is often followed by a sermon, which may include readings
from the Quran. Muslim wedding ceremonies do not always include vows —
agreement to the marriage contract during the nikah suffices as agreement by the bride
and groom to enter into marriage.

Valima

The valima is the reception, usually hosted by the groom's parents. Traditionally, the
valima takes place the night after the wedding, though it can also immediately follow
the Nikah.

Muslim Wedding Ceremony Rituals

by Robin Beth Schaer
From the United States to the Middle East to South Asia, Islam stretches
across a diverse terrain of politics and culture with followers and practices
as varied as the countries from which they hail. Marriage in Islam is viewed
as a religious obligation, a contract between the couple and Allah.

Practices
The only requirement for Muslim weddings is the signing of a marriage
contract. Marriage traditions differ depending on culture, Islamic sect, and
observance of gender separation rules. Most marriages are not held in
mosques, and men and women remain separate during the ceremony and
reception. Since Islam sanctions no official clergy, any Muslim who
understands Islamic tradition can officiate a wedding. If you are having your
wedding in a mosque, many have marriage officers, called qazi or madhun,
who can oversee the marriage.

Meher
The marriage contract includes a meher—a formal statement specifying the
monetary amount the groom will give the bride. There are two parts to the
meher: a prompt due before the marriage is consummated and a deferred
amount given to the bride throughout her life. Today, many couples use the
ring as the prompt because the groom presents it during the ceremony.
The deferred amount can be a small sum—a formality—or an actual gift of
money, land, jewelry, or even an education. The gift belongs to the bride to
use as she pleases, unless the marriage breaks up before consummation.
The meher is considered the bride's security and guarantee of freedom
within the marriage.

Nikah
The marriage contract is signed in a nikah ceremony, in which the groom or
his representative proposes to the bride in front of at least two witnesses,
stating the details of the meher. The bride and groom demonstrate their
free will by repeating the word qabul ("I accept," in Arabic) three times.
Then the couple and two male witnesses sign the contract, making the
marriage legal according to civil and religious law. Following traditional
Islamic customs, the bride and groom may share a piece of sweet fruit,
such as a date. If men and women are separated for the ceremony, a male
representative called a wali acts in the bride's behalf during the nikah.

Vows and Blessings

The officiant may add an additional religious ceremony following the nikah,
which usually includes a recitation of the Fatihah—the first chapter of the
Quran—and durud (blessings). Most Muslim couples do not recite vows;
rather, they listen as their officiant speaks about the meaning of marriage
and their responsibilities to each other and to Allah. However, some Muslim
brides and grooms do say vows, such as this common recitation:

Bride: "I, (bride's name) offer you myself in marriage in accordance with the
instructions of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessing be
upon him. I pledge, in honesty and with sincerity, to be for you an obedient
and faithful wife."

Groom: "I pledge, in honesty and sincerity, to be for you a faithful and
helpful husband."

Muslim Wedding Reception Rituals

Explained
by Robin Beth Schaer
The festivities following a Muslim wedding can last for days and include
lavish rituals, dancing, and food. Here are a few customs to get the party
started.

Walima
After the wedding contract is signed, the celebration begins with
the walima-- a wedding feast that may last for two whole days. Fish,
chicken, and rice, ancient symbols of fertility and plenty, are usually served,
along with candy-covered almonds that are considered aphrodisiacs.
(Where did you think Jordan almonds came from?) Guests often arrive in a
procession with gifts to be displayed during the walima.

Imam Zamin
In India, the groom's mother and her family and friends present the bride
with sweets. If the bride is veiled, she may show her face (possibly for the
first time) to the groom and his family. Then, the groom's mother ties
an imam zamin -- a gold coin wrapped in silk -- around the bride's right arm
as a wish for the couple's prosperity.

Mala Badol
After the wedding feast, the ritual of mala badol is performed in Bangladesh
and other South Asian countries. A thin cloth is placed over both bride and
groom. They feed each other and share sips of borhani (a spicy yogurt
drink) beneath the cloth. While looking at their reflection in a mirror, the
bride and groom are asked, "What do you see?" They each answer with a
romantic declaration such as, "I see the rest of my life." The newlyweds
then exchange flower garlands. Recently, a new custom of exchanging
rings has been added to the ritual.

The Regal Bride

After the wedding ceremony, the bride may change into an elaborate gown
adorned with jewels, pearls, and gold. Toward the end of the reception, she
is held aloft like royalty while friends and family watch. She may be
paraded around for as long as two hours, until her bearers' strength finally
wanes. When she is returned to the ground, she is placed in the groom's
arms, signaling the end of the party.

Symbolic Gestures
Congratulating the bride with a kiss is not allowed in some Muslim
weddings (although it is becoming more common in Western cultures).
However, guests at Muslim weddings congratulate the couple in many
other ways. Eggs, which represent fertility and righteousness in Islam, are
often given to the couple as symbolic gifts. The bride and groom may be
showered with rice, candy, and dried fruit as they exit the reception. In
Indonesia, the groom steps on an egg to indicate his approval of the
marriage. In Morocco, an egg is broken during the reception because its
white color signifies light and luck for the couple.
Muslim marriage and Islamic wedding customs are traditions and practices that relate
to wedding ceremonies and marriage rituals prevailing within the Muslim world. Although Islamic
marriage customs and relations vary depending on country of origin and government regulations,
both Muslim men and women from around the world are guided by Islamic laws and practices
specified in the Quran.[1]
According to the teachings of the Quran, a married Muslim couple is equated with clothing.
Within this context, both husband and wife are each other’s protector and comforter, just as real
garments “show and conceal” the body of human beings. Thus, they are meant “for one
another”.[2] The Quran continues to discuss the matter of marriage and states, "And among His
Signs is this, that he created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in
tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your [hearts]…".[3] Marriages within
the Muslim community are incredibly important. The purpose of marriage in Islamic culture is to
preserve the religion through the creation of a family. The family is meant to be “productive and
constructive, helping and encouraging one another to be good and righteous, and competing with
one another in good works”.[4]

Choice of partner

In Islam, polygyny is allowed with certain restrictions; polyandry is not. The Quran directly
addresses the matter of polygyny in Chapter 4 Verse 3, "...Marry of the women that you please:
two, three, or four. But if you feel that you should not be able to deal justly, then only one or what
your right hand possesses.That would be more suitable to prevent you from doing
injustice."[5] The Prophet accepts the marriage of multiple wives but only if the husband's duties
will not falter as a result
The groom kisses the bride 3 times on the cheek and 1 on the forehead.[6]
Although practices of polygamy have declined in practice and acceptance in most parts of the
Muslim world (such as Turkey and Tunisia who have completely outlawed it), it is still legal in
over 150 countries in Africa, Middle East, and most countries in the third world.[7][8] Since the 20th
century and the rise of major feminist movements, polygamous marriages have severely
declined. With changing economic conditions, female empowerment, and acceptance of family
planning practices, polygamy seems to be severely declining as an acceptable and viable
marriage practice within the Muslim world.[9]
Both male and female homosexuality are forbidden in Islamic law, although only male
homosexuality is explicitly condemned in the Quran.[10] In regards to interfaith marriages and
partners, the rules for Muslim women are much more restrictive than the rules applied to Muslim
men wishing to marry a non-Muslim.[11] Alex B. leeman has erroneously stated that the principal
schools of Islamic jurisprudence abide to Shari'a regulations that specifically state "a Muslim man
may marry a Christian or Jewish woman but no other unbeliever; a Muslim woman may marry a
Jew or Christian(non Catholic and non-Jesuit and non-Mormonist).[better source needed][dubious – discuss]"[11]
The specific passages of Islamic text that address the issue of interfaith marriage are in Quran
5:5, as well as in Quran 60:10.
This day the good things are allowed to you . . . ; and the chaste from among the believing
women and the chaste from among those who have been given the Book before you (are lawful
for you); when you have given them their dowries, taking (them) in marriage, not fornicating nor
taking them for paramours in secret . . . .[11]
O you who believe! . . . ; and hold not to the ties of marriage of unbelieving women, and ask for
what you have spent, and let them ask for what they have spent. That is Allah's judgment; He
judges between you, and Allah is Knowing, Wise.[11]
Despite the Quranic text that seem to detest interfaith marriage [example needed], a growing movement
of modern Islamic scholars are beginning to reinterpret and reexamine traditional Shari'a
interpretations. While these scholars use "established and approved methodologies" in order to
claim new conclusions, they are still met with a considerable amount of opposition from the
majority of orthodox Islamic scholars and interpreters.[11]

Islamic dating practices and community programs[edit]

In most Islamic societies and communities it is not a common practice for young people to
actively seek a partner for themselves by following modern and Western rituals, such as dating.
Young Muslim men and women are strongly encouraged to marry as soon as possible, since the
family is recognized as the foundation of Islamic society.[1] According to traditional Islamic law,
women and men are not free to date or intermingle, which results in a more drawn-out and
deliberate process.[1]A large majority of Islamic marriages are arranged marriages in which the
parents or guardians select appropriate matrimonial mates for their offspring.[1] The amount of
choice and acceptance involved in choosing marriage partners often depends on the class and
educational status of the family.[1] Some important characteristics in choosing a worthy mate are
faith and chastity. These traits are pointed out in Quran Chapter 33 Verse 35 "For Muslim men
and women, for believing men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who
are patient and for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who
engage much in Allah's praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great
reward."[1]‘Forced’ marriages, where consent has not been given by the bride, or is given only
under excessive pressure, is considered illegal in all schools of Islamic law. A guardian who is
allowed to force the bride into marriage is called wali mujbir.[12][better source needed][dubious – discuss][neutrality is disputed].
Forced marriage is absolutely and explicitly forbidden.
Since traditional Muslim societies are generally religiously heterogeneous, it is much easier for
individuals to find socially acceptable partners through traditional methods. Within these
communities, families, friends, and services are used to help people find a significant
other.[13] However, in non-Muslim countries, like the United States, there is no universal method
for matchmaking or finding a spouse. These Muslims must use alternate methods in order to find
a partner in a way that closely simulates the traditional process.
Muslims in non-Islamic countries like the United States use Islamic institutions or imams to help
them find partners. Islamic institutions like the ISNA (Islamic Society of North America), NOI
(Nation of Islam), ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America), and MANA (Muslim Alliance of North
America), allow individuals to meet others at annual conventions.[14] The imam is a valued source
among these Muslim communities as well. For any individual who values religious piety in a
partner and does not have a Muslim social network, the imam is a valuable source of guidance.
The internet also offers new opportunities for Muslim individuals to meet one another. In the past
10 years, Matchmaking sites for Muslims have become an increasingly popular way to meet
one’s spouse.[15] The website, SingleMuslim.com one of the first matchmaking sites is very
successful. Adeem Younis, the founder of the website, designed it in accordance with Islamic
principles. Halal sites like SingleMuslim.com ask questions about individuals’ piety including
prayer habits, fasting, and if they have made the hajj pilgrimage.[16] Among Islamic theological
figures there is some dispute over the validity of these websites; however, these sites continue to
be created and avidly used. According to Younis, “Because ‘dating’ is not allowed in Islam, the
Internet is an ideal vehicle for a discreet first step in finding a marriage partner.”[16] Websites such
as, The International Muslim Matrimonial site, broaden the depth of choices for individuals
looking for a partner.[17] Individual interests like, hobbies, political views, things you are
passionate about, activities you participate in, your family values, are all included to make a user
profile. In some societies in both the Islamic world and the West, traditional matchmaking
practices do not necessarily include this kind of expression of personal characteristics; therefore,
these websites expand individuality while maintaining traditional Islamic ideals of matchmaking.[14]

Diversity of Muslim weddings

A Kazakh wedding ceremony in a mosque

Considering that there are over 1.25 billion Muslims in the Muslim World, there is no single way
for all Muslim weddings to be held. There are 49 Muslim majority countries and each contains
many regional and cultural differences. Additionally, many Muslims living in the West then mix
family traditions with their host countries. [18]

United States of America

Muslims in the United States come from many backgrounds, but the largest segment are those
from South Asia, Arab countries, and more recently from East Africa. When it comes to Muslim
weddings the culture they come from heavily influences the kind of rituals that will take place.
Similarly American-Muslims e.g. African-Americans, Caucasians, Hispanics and others have
elements of both local, and Muslim influence. The central event in all American-Muslim
Weddings will be the Nikah. This is the actual wedding ceremony, usually officiated by a Muslim
cleric, an Imam. Although a Nikah can be done anywhere including the bride’s home or reception
hall, it is preferable and usually done these days in a mosque. [18]
A Muslim Wedding Survey of North American Muslims, revealed among other things the merger
of two or more cultures. For example, the two most popular wedding dress colors are red and
white. Whereas in traditional Muslim countries marriages have been arranged, in the United
States, 57.75% of weddings are through friends, online or people the person has met at work. [19]
China

Muslim General Ma Jiyuan's wedding with a Kuomintang flag in the background.

Prominent Muslims in China, such as generals, followed standard marriage practices in the 20th
century, such as using western clothing like white wedding dresses.
Chinese Muslim marriages resemble typical Chinese marriages except traditional Chinese
religious rituals are not used.[20]

Indian Subcontinent
Main articles: Bangladeshi wedding, Pakistani wedding, and Indian wedding
Muslims in the Indian subcontinent normally follow marriage customs that are similar to those
practiced by Muslims of the Middle-East, which are based on Islamic convention.[21] These
Islamic traditions were first handed down to medieval Indians by propagators of the Islamic
religion that involved sultans and Moghul rulers at the time.[22] The blueprint is the same as the
Middle-Eastern Nikah,[21] a pattern seen in marriage ceremonies
of Sunnis and Shias.[22] Traditional Muslim Indian wedding celebrations typically last for three
days.[21] Prior to the observance of the wedding ceremony proper, two separate pre-wedding
rituals, which involve traditional dancing and singing, occurs in two places: at the groom’s house
and at the bride’s home.[22]
On the eve of the wedding day, a bridal service known as the Mehndi ritual or henna ceremony is
held at the bride’s home. This ritual is sometimes done two days before the actual wedding day.
During this bridal preparation ritual, turmeric paste is placed on the bride’s skin for the purpose of
improving and brightening her complexion, after which mehndi is applied on the bride’s hands
and feet by the mehndiwali, a female relative.[21][22]
Now long abandoned, anointing the teeth with a powder called 'missī' in order to blacken them
used to be part of Islamic wedding rituals in India.[23]
The Indian Islamic wedding ceremony is also preceded by a marriage procession known as the
groom’s baraat. From this convoy arrives the groom, who will share a sherbet drink with a brother
of his bride at the place of the marriage ceremony. This drinking ritual happens as the sisters of
the bride engage in tomfooleries and playfully strike guests using flower-filled cudgels.[21]
The wedding ceremony, known as Nikah,[24] is officiated by the Maulvi, a priest also
called Qazi.[21][22] Among the important wedding participants are the Walises, or the fathers of both
groom and bride.[21] and the bride's legal representative.[22] It is the bride's father who promises his
daughter's hand to the groom, a ritual known as the Kanya-dhan.[22] Also in this formal occasion,
particularly in conventional Islamic weddings, when men and women typically have separate
seating arrangements. Another common practice are wedding sequences that include the
reading of Quranic verses, the groom’s proposal and bride’s acceptance parts known as the Ijab-
e-Qubul[21] or the ijab and qabul;[22] the decision-making of the bride’s and groom’s families
regarding the price of the matrimonial financial endowment known as the Mehar[21] or Mehr (a
dower no less than ten dirhams[22]), which will come from the family of bridegroom. Blessings and
prayers are then given by older women and other guests to the couple.[21] In return the groom
gives salutatory salaam wishes to his blessers, especially to female elders.[22] The bride also
usually receives gifts known generally as the burri, which may be in the form of gold jewelries,
garments, money, and the like.[22]
The marriage contract is known as the Nikaahnama, and is signed not only by the couple but
also by the Walises and the Maulvi.[21]
After the Nikah, the now married couple joins each other to be seated among gender-segregated
attendees.[21] The groom is customarily brought first to the women's area in order for him to be
able to present gifts to his wife's sister.[22] Although jointly seated, the bride and the groom can
only observe one another via mirrors, and a copy of the Quran is placed in between their
assigned seats. With their heads sheltered by a dupatta and while guided by the Maulvi, the
couple reads Muslim prayers.[21]
After the wedding ceremony, the bride is brought to the house of her husband, where she is
welcomed by her mother-in-law, who holds a copy of the Quran over her head.[21]
The wedding reception hosted by the groom family is known as the Valimah[21] or the Dawat-e-
walima.[22]
As per Muslim Personal Law Sharia Application Act of 1937, which is applicable to all Muslims in
India( except in the state of Goa), polygamy is legal: a Muslim man may marry a maximum of
four women without divorce and with few conditions. Following are the laws applicable to
Muslims in India (except in the state of Goa) regarding matters of marriage, succession,
Inheritance etc.

1. Muslim Personal Law Sharia Application Act,1937

2. The Dissolution Of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939
3. Muslim Women’s Protection of Rights on Divorce Act,1986
Note: Above laws are not applicable in the state of Goa, as state of Goa has Uniform Civil
Code i.e. same law irrespective of religion, caste or nationality.

The Malay Archipelago[edit]

A Minangkabau wedding ceremony in Indonesia. In a traditional Minangkabau wedding, the bride and
groom will sit together in a traditional wedding lounge known as the pelaminan throughout the celebration.

Malay wedding traditions (Malay: Adat Perkahwinan Melayu; Jawi script: ‫)عادة ڤركهوينن ماليو‬, such
as those that occur in Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia and Thailand,
normally include the lamaran or marriage proposal, the betrothal, the determination of the bridal
dowry known as the hantaran agreed upon by both the parents’ of the groom and the bride
(usually done one year before the solemnization of marriage), delivery of gifts and the dowry
(istiadat hantar belanja), the marriage solemnization (upacara akad nikah) at the bride’s home or
in a mosque, the henna application ritual known as the berinai, the costume changing of the
couple known as the tukar pakaian for photography sessions, followed by wedding reception, a
feast-meal for guests (pesta pernikahan or resepsi pernikahan) usually took place in the
weekend (Saturday or Sunday), and the bersandingor the sitting-in-state ceremony when the
couple sit in elaborate pelaminan(wedding throne) at their own home, or in wedding hall during
the wedding reception.[25]
Prior to being able to meet his bride, sometimes a mak andam, a “beautician”, or any member of
the family of the bride will intercept the groom to delay the joining of the would-be spouses; only
after the groom was able to pay a satisfactory “entrance fee” could he finally meet his bride. The
wedding ceremony proper is usually held on a weekend, and involves exchanging of gifts,
Quranic readings and recitation, and displaying of the couple while within a bridal chamber.
While seated at their pelaminan “wedding throne”, the newly-weds are showered with uncooked
rice and petals, objects that signify fertility. The guests of the wedding celebration are typically
provided by the couple with gifts known as the bunga telur (“egg flower”). The gifted eggs are
traditionally eggs dyed with red coloring and are placed inside cups or other suitable containers
bottomed with glutinous rice. These eggs also symbolize fertility, a marital wish hoping that the
couple will bear many offspring. However, these traditional gifts are now sometimes replaced by
non-traditional chocolates, jellies, or soaps.[26]
The marriage contract that binds the marital union is called the Akad Nikah, a verbal agreement
sealed by a financial sum known as the mas kahwin, and witnessed by three persons. Unlike in
the past when the father of the bride customarily acts as the officiant for the ceremonial union,
current-day Muslim weddings are now officiated by the kadhi, a marriage official and Shariat
(or) Syariah) Court religious officer.[26] In Indonesia Muslim weddings are officiated and led by
the penghulu, the official of Kantor Urusan Agama (KUA or Office of Religious Affairs). The Akad
Nikah might be performed in the Office of Religious Affairs, or the penghulu is invited to a
ceremonial place outside the Religious Affair Office (mosque, bride's house or wedding hall).[27]

The Philippines
Muslim communities in the Philippines include the Tausug and T'boli tribe, a group of people
in Jolo, Sulu who practice matrimonial activities based on their own ethnic legislation and the
laws of Islam. Their customary and legal matrimony is composed of negotiated arranged
marriage (pagpangasawa), marriage through the “game of abduction” (pagsaggau),
and elopement (pagdakup).[28] Furthermore, although Tausug men may acquire two wives,
bigamous or plural marriages are rare.[28]

A Filipino Tausug lady performing the traditional pangalay dance.

Tausug matrimonial customs generally include the negotiation and proclamation of

the bridewealth (the ungsud) which is a composition of the “valuables for the offspring”
or dalaham pagapusan (in the form of money or an animal that cannot be slaughtered for the
marital feast); the "valuables dropped in the ocean" or dalaham hug a tawid, which are intended
for the father of the bride; the basingan which is a payment – in the form of antique gold or
silver Spanish or American coins – for the transference of kingship rights toward the usba or
“male side”; the “payment to the treasury” (sikawin baytal-mal, a payment to officers of the law
and wedding officiants); the wedding musicians and performers; wedding feast costs; and the
guiding proverbthat says a lad should marry by the time he has already personally farmed for a
period of three years. This is the reason why young Tausug males and females typically marry a
few years after they reached the stage of puberty.[29]
Regular arranged Islamic marriages through negotiation are typically according to parental
wishes, although sometimes the son will also suggest a woman of his choice. This is the ideal,
esteemed, and considered “most proper” in the legal point of view of Tausug culture, despite of
being a time-consuming and costly practice for the groom. If the parents disagree with their son’s
choice of a woman to marry, he might decide to resort to a marriage by abducting the woman of
his choice, run away, run amuck, or choose to become an outlaw. In relation to this type of
marriage, another trait that is considered ideal in Tausug marriage is to wed sons and daughters
with first or second cousins, due to the absence of difficulty in negotiating and simplification of
land inheritance discussions.[28] However, there is also another way of arranging a Tausug
marriage, which is through the establishment of maglillah pa maas sing babai or by “surrendering
to the lady’s parents”, wherein the lad proclaims his intention while at the house of the parents of
the woman of his choice; he will not depart until he receives permission to marry. In other
circumstances, the lad offers a sum of money to the parents of the lass; a refusal by the father
and mother of the woman would mean paying a fine or doubling the price offered by the
negotiating man.[29]
“Abduction-game marriages” are characteristically in accord with the grooms’ requests, and are
performed either by force or “legal fiction”.[28] This strategy of marrying a woman is actually a
“courtship game” that expresses a Tausug man’s masculinity and bravery. Although the woman
has the right to refuse marrying her “abductor”, reluctance and refusal does not always endure
because the man will resort to seducing the “abductee”. In the case of marriages done through
the game of abduction, the bridewealth offered is a gesticulation to appease the woman’s
parents.[28]
Elopements are normally based on the brides’ desires, which may, at times, are made to
resemble a “bride kidnapping” situation (i.e. a marriage through the game of abduction) in order
to prevent dishonoring the woman who wished to be eloped.[28] One way of eloping is known to
the Tausugs as muuy magbana or the "homecoming to get hold of a husband", wherein a
Tausug woman offers herself to the man of her choice or to the parents of the man who she
wants to become her spouse. Elopement is also a strategy used by female Tausugs in order to
be able to enter into a second marriage, or done by an older unwed lady by seducing a man who
is younger than her.[30]
During the engagement period, the man may render service to his bride’s parents in the form of
performing household chores.[31] After the period of engagement has lapsed, the marital-union
ceremony is observed by feastings, delivery of the whole bridewealth, slaughtering of
a carabao or a cow, playing gongs and native xylophones, reciting prayers in
the Arabicand Tausug languages, symbolic touching by the groom of his bride’s forehead, and
the couple’s emotionless sitting-together ritual. In some instances when a groom is marrying a
young bride, the engagement period may last longer until the Tausug lass has reached the right
age to marry; or the matrimonial ceremony may proceed – a wedding the Tausug termed as “to
marry in a handkerchief” or kawin ha saputangan – because the newly-wed man can live after
marriage at the home of his parents-in-law but cannot have marital sex with his wife until she
reaches the legal age.[31]
Tausug culture also allows the practice of divorce.[31]
There are also other courtship, marriage, and wedding customs in the Philippines.

United Arab Emirates

A bride's hand decorated with henna.

Generally, wedding ceremonies in the United Arab Emirates traditionally involves scheduling the
wedding date, preparation for the bride and groom, and carousing with dancing and singing
which takes place one week or less prior to the wedding night. Bridal preparation is done by
women by anointing the body of the bride with oil, application of perfumes to the bride's hair, use
of creams, feeding the bride with special dishes, washing the bride’s hair with amber and jasmine
extracts, use of the Arabian Kohl or Arabian eye liner, and decorating the hands and feet with
henna (a ritual known as the Laylat Al Hennaor “henna night” or "night of henna", and performed
a few days before being wed; during this evening, other members of the bride’s family and
guests also place henna over their own hands). The Emirati bride stays at her dwelling for forty
days until the marriage night, only to be visited by her family. Later, the groom offers her items
that she will use to create the Addahbia, a dowry which is composed of jewelry, perfumes, and
silk, among others.[32][unreliable source?]
In Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, the traditional Bedouin wedding is a ceremonial
that echoes the earliest Arab concept of matrimony, which emphasizes that marital union is not
simply a joining together of a man and a woman but the coming together of two families.
Traditionally lasting for seven days, Bedouin marriage preparations and celebration starts with
the marriage proposal known as the Al Khoutha, a meeting of the groom’s father and bride’s
father; the purpose of the groom’s father is to ask the hand of the bride from the bride’s father for
marriage; and involves the customary drinking of minty Arab tea. After this, the negotiating
families proceed with the Al Akhd, a marriage contract agreement. The bride goes through the
ritual of a “bridal shower” known as Laylat Al Henna, the henna tattooing of the bride’s hands and
feet, a service signifying attractiveness, fortune, and healthiness. The Al Aadaa follows, a groom-
teasing rite done by the friends of the bride wherein they ask compensation after embellishing
the bride with henna. The ceremonial also involves a family procession towards the bride’s
home, a re-enactment of a war dance known as Al Ardha, and the Zaahbaah or the displaying of
the bride’s garments and the gifts she received from her groom’s family. In the earliest versions
of Bedouin wedding ceremonies, the groom and the bride goes and stays within a tent made
of camel hair, and that the bride is not to be viewed in public during the nuptial proceedings. The
wedding concludes with the Tarwaah, when the bride rides a camel towards her new home to
live with her husband. After a week, the bride will have a reunion with her own family.
Customarily, the groom will not be able to join his bride until the formal wedding procedure
ended. The only place where they will finally see each other is at their post-wedding dwelling.[33]
Established Bedouin wedding customs also entail the use of hand-embroidered costumes, the
dowry, and the bridewealth. Islamic law dictates that the jewelry received by the bride becomes
her personal property.
Brides traditionally wear a yellow formal outfit, and applies wet Mehandi on her hands.[34] It's
customary for a bride to be escorted to stage under a yellow dupatta makeup and jewellery is
generally avoided and kept simple.