As soon as you hear the word nikkah (Muslim Wedding), all you could imagine is Briyani! right? An ideal feast your Muslim friend would have offered on the days of Ramadan. But is that all you get reminded? Do you think there’s nothing more interesting than that? If you whispered a yes, then my friend, let’s say you, you’re in the web of ignorant and worry not we’re here to bring you to the light. Just like any other community Muslim Wedding ceremonies are much fun-filled and holds a series of rituals to carry on. Gone are the days when Muslims preferred simplicity in their celebration; now they hold a series of rituals to follow on their big day.

Muslim wedding prefer simplicity but in a super elegant way. There were days when their marriages turned valid with just a signature on a paper.

But the modern celebration of their Wedding doesn’t remain the same. If you happen to be invited by a Muslim friend of yours and been wondering where to find the details of their rituals, then here you’re, in the very right place. We have curated precisely and made this article especially for you and specifically on Muslims who are cherishing their wedding in a unique style. Their wedding rituals are as scintillating as a new year eve irrespective of the region they belong to!

Salatul Ishtikara – in muslim wedding

Been wondering what is that? Well, Ishtikara is the very first ritual or to be precise an event in the celebration of a Islamic wedding. Once the family confirms the bride and groom to hold their hands for a lifetime, they visit the nearby mosque and request the Imam to arrange a special prayer to seek the blessings of Allah. Nowadays, the bride and the groom are making this event a mandatory one for, seeking blessings before they begin their rituals give them their strength from the Almighty.

Imam Zamin – in muslim wedding

If you’re an Indian or a Pakistani you probably would have heard this often. Yes, a ritual to signify the formal acceptance of the bride by the groom and his family. So what do they do on the hours of Imam Zamin? They bring plates of sweets, gifts, silver and gold coins wrapped in a silk cloth to the bride’s home.

After presenting all the brought items to the bride, the groom’s mother would tie a silk cloth on the wrist of the bride which in turn signifies the fact that she is being chosen as their daughter in law and is being welcomed with caring hearts. Isn’t it cute to see the bond emerging between the bride and her mother in law even before the couples get married? Yes, after all, every mother in law is actually a mother who can understand the feelings of the children.

The Mangni

Christians call it betrothal, Hindus call it Nichayathartham and Muslims? Yes, Mangini! That’s how they call. What do you commonly notice among the couples on their betrothal? A feast they offer? A cake they cut? Nope, you’re missing an important thing. Keep guessing… have you got the point? Yes, the couples exchange their rings and sometimes you can see the groom gifting the bride.

Quite a lovable moment to witness and this ritual is kind of public declaration that couples are happily engaged.

Manjha ceremony

This ritual is addressed by varied names according to the religion one belongs to but the story behind it remains the same; few call it a Tel-Baan ceremony and few call it a haldi ceremony and people who practice Islamic religion call it a manjha ceremony where the turmeric and sandalwood paste is applied on the couples to ward off the evil eyes.

Elders of the family would instruct the couples not to leave their homes after this ceremony.

Sanchaq

This is another pre-wedding ritual where the groom’s family would handpick an outfit solely for the bride to wear on the day of Nikah. To add on the beauty, they shower lavishing gifts along with the outfit to the bride. This process of giving away the outfit and gifts to the bride is called as Sanchaq among the people who follow Islamic religion.

Mehandi

Mehandi ceremony though celebrated among other communities, Muslims are known for Mehandi celebration. The intricate Arabic design has grabbed the fans worldwide. One of the most popular and famous ritual been heard even across oceans. A day or two before the wedding is when the Mehandi ritual is performed. Almost all the ladies will come to this event and cherish the bride and her family. Snacks, Juices, dinner and what not. The bride’s family will make sure to take care of their guests with utmost care and love. There’s a special post on Mehandi which is a must read if you’ve been wondering why Mehandi ceremony is important among the wedding couples. Click here and we shall take you there.

Nikah ceremony

You’ve finally come to the important stanza of this article. “Nikah” is what Muslims address their weddings as. So, what do they do on their wedding hours? Garland exchange? tying their attires? Nah, the Meher is read and the couples sign the contract of marriage.

Later which sweetened milk and fruits are fed to the couples.

Simple, yet you’ll get to feel the vibes love and care widely spread by the near and dear ones. Well, we’re missing an important point here. Qabul! yes, it’s a word that couple would recite thrice as a sign of acceptance to the contract of their marriage. Qabul is “I accept” in the Arabic language.

Arsi mushaf

Can the wedding turn more romantic? yes, we hear you say that. If you get a chance to stumble on Islamic wedding ritual then don’t ever miss the fun that’s showered in the hues of romance. Arsi Mushhaf is a Muslim Wedding ritual in the Islamic community where the couples will be asked to look into the mirror. you must be wondering what merry is in there to call it a fun-filled ritual! Well, take a closer look at the fact we said; looking into the mirror for the first time together as a husband-wife is quite charming, isn’t it?

yeah, that’s pretty cute but we know this might not be convincing all of you. Well, let’s redefine then, Arsi mushaf is a ritual that signifies the importance of togetherness even in the hardest of times. The couples would look into the mirror together with veil and this is to let them know how they should share the obstacles in life – an act of togetherness.

Rukshat

Which moment do you think is terrible in life to pass through? Of course, crossing a panipuri stall without having one is. Well, that’s not what we’re intending here but the moment existing among wedding celebration? hmm, When you pay off your vendors? Well, wrong again. let’s help you, the terrible moment existing in the web of wedding moments is when a bride waves goodbye to her parents and family for one final time.

Departing is painful, isn’t it? Kinda emotional too! yup, witnessing such moments will tear you up for sure but being a wedding photographer, we cannot get swayed with such sentimental moments for the beauty of photography lies in the web of freezing the perfect moves. Portraying the candid shots is what we’re familiar with.

Walimah

Sometimes people call Walimah as Walimah nevertheless the story behind the ritual remains the same in every corner of the country no matter how one twists their tongue. Indian Muslims who had just married would celebrate this ceremony for the sake of their near and dear ones. To be precise to let the world know the bond the couples had recently tied. Yes, we shall call it reception as long as you don’t say murmur it among Muslims.

Walimah! yes, that’s how you should address it. Few choose the simplest arrangements while the rest choose to celebrate in a grand manner that covers an elegantly decorated venue, mouth-watering buffet and lavishing gifts from the guests.

[With Pictures] Muslim Wedding – 10 Essential Rituals, Traditions, Ceremonies – Explained