Muslim Wedding in Tuscany

Muslim weddings Traditions

Muslim weddings vary enormously according to the culture of the people involved. They are social contracts which bring rights and obligations to both parties, and can only be successful when these are mutually respected and cherished. At a first step the families meet, make the promise of marriage and decide the amount of the dowry which the groom must bring to the bride. 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.

The actual Muslim wedding is known as a nikah. In many Muslim marriages, the wife may not be present when the actual contract is made but two witnesses guarantee for her. In other Muslim marriages the men and women are seated in separate rooms or have a curtain to separate them. Usually, the ceremony consists of reading from the Koran, 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.

The marriage is registered (nikaahnama). It is first signed by the groom and then two witnesses 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 purpose of the reception taking place after the ceremony is to announce publicly that the couple are married and entitled to each other. The majority of brides favour a traditional white wedding dress, but brides from the Asian subcontinent often favour rich scarlet gown 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. In this case, there is often dancing but also fireworks, guns and noise. Asian weddings often include pre-nuptial parties and gathering too - the whole process may last several days. In some cultures simple receptions with only close friends and relatives celebrate the wedding.