Marriage (nikah) is a solemn
and sacred social contract between bride and groom. This
contract is a firm and strong covenant (mithaqun Ghalithun)
as expressed in Quran 4:21). The marriage contract in Islam
is not a sacrament. It is revocable.
Prophet Muhammad (S) made it his tradition (sunnah) to
have marriage sermon delivered in the assembly to solemnize
the marriage. The sermon invites the bride and the groom,
as well as the participating guests in the assembly to a
life of piety, mutual love, kindness, and social responsibility.
Prophet Muhammad (S) said:
'The worst of the feasts are those marriage feasts to which
the rich are invited and the poor are left out". (Mishkat)
It is recommended that Muslims attend marriage ceremonies
and marriage feasts upon invitation.
Prophet Muhammad (S) said:
"...and he who refuses to accept an invitation to
a marriage feast, verily disobeys Allah and His Prophet".
(Ahmad & Abu Dawood)
The Marriage Banquet (Walima)
After the consummation of the marriage, the groom holds
a banquet called a walima. The relatives, neighbors, and
friends are invited in order to make them aware of the marriage.
Both rich and poor of the family and community are invited
to the marriage feasts.
There is a lengthy Hadith in which Rasulullah sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam addressed Abdur Rahman bin Auf radiyallahu
anhu asking him to have a walimah even if it is with one
sheep. In other words, even if you possess very little,
you should spend.It is mustahab to have a walimah.
Prophet Muhammad (S) said:
'The worst of the feasts are those marriage feasts to which
the rich are invited and the poor are left out". (Mishkat)
It is recommended that Muslims attend marriage ceremonies
and marriage feasts upon invitation.
Prophet Muhammad (S) said:
"...and he who refuses to accept an invitation to
a marriage feast, verily disobeys Allah and His Prophet".
(Ahmad & Abu Dawood)
Mahr
The marriage-gift (Mahr) is a divine injunction. The giving
of mahr to the bride by the groom is an essential part of
the contract.
'And give the women (on marriage) their mahr as a (nikah)
free gift" (Quran 4:4)
Mahr is a token commitment of the husband's
responsibility and may be paid in cash, property or movable
objects to the bride herself. The amount of mahr is not
legally specified, however, moderation according to the
existing social norm is recommended. The mahr may be paid
immediately to the bride at the time of marriage, or deferred
to a later date, or a combination of both. The deferred
mahr however, falls due in case of death or divorce.
One matrimonial party expresses 'ijab"
willing consent to enter into marriage and the other party
expresses 'qubul" acceptance of the responsibility
in the assembly of marriage ceremony. The contract is written
and signed by the bride and the groom and their two respective
witnesses. This written marriage contract ("Aqd-Nikah)
is then announced publicly.
Explanation of some Islamic Terms
Hur: Refers to the large-eyed
women of jannah, promised to the believers.
Mahr: Marital gift or bridal money
Wali: In the context of marriage or divorce,
it refers to the legal guardian of a minor.
Walimah: Refers to the feast that is organized
after a marriage. It usually takes place after the bride
and bride groom have spent a night together.
Fard: Literally means "compulsory".
Fatwa: A formal legal opinion or verdict
in Islamic law.
Halal: That which is lawful or permissible
in Islam.
Haram: That which is unlawful or prohibited
in Islam
Mahram: Refers to the person with whom
marriage is not permissible and with whom strict purdah
is not incumbent
Mahrul mithl: The dower or bridal money
that is equal to or similar than that which was given to
a girl's paternal grandmothers. For further details, refer
to the chapter on mahrul mithl.
Ibadah: Literally means "worship".
In Islam it refers to all those acts of worship which one
renders to Allah Ta'ala.
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