Islamic Marriage Articles, - Islamic Wedding

Wedding of Fatimah (RadhiAllah Anha)
Fatimah (Radhiallaahu Ánha) is the youngest daughter of our beloved
Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). Out of all the children, he was
the most beloved to him. He said,'The Queen of the ladies in Jannat is
Faatimah.' He also said,'Faatimah is part of my body. Whoever grieves
her, grieves me.'
When Faatimah (Radhiallaahu Ánha) reached the age of fifteen,
proposals for her marriage began to come from high and responsible
families. But the Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) remained
irresponsive.
Ali (Radhiallaahu Ánhu), who was 21 at the time, says: It occurred to
me that I should go and make a formal proposal, but then I
thought,'How could this be accomplished, for I possess nothing.'At
last, encouraged by the Prophet's kindness, I went to him and
expressed my intention to marry Faatima (Radhiyallaahu Anha). The
Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) was extremely pleased and
asked,'Áli! Do you possess anything to give her in Mahr?'I
replied,'Apart from a horse and an armour I possess nothing.'
The Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, 'A soldier must, of
course, have his horse. Go and sell away your armour.'
So, Áli (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) went and sold his armour to Uthmaan
(Radhiallaahu Ánhu) for 480 Dirham and presented it to Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). Bilaal (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) was ordered
by the Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) to bring some perfume and
a few other things and Anas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) was sent to call Abu
Bakr, Uthmaan, Talhah, Zubayr with some companions from the Ansaar
(Radhiallaahu Ánhum).
When these men arrived and had taken their seats, the Prophet
(Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) recited the Khutbah (sermon) of Nikaah
and gave Faatimah (Radhiallaahu Ánha) in marriage to Áli (Radhiallaahu
Ánhu). He announced, 'Bear you all witness that I have given my
daughter Faatimah in marriage to Áli for 400 Mithqaal of silver and
Áli has accepted.' He then raised his head and made Duá saying, 'O
Allah, create love and harmony between these two. Bless them and
bestow upon them good children.' after the Nikaah, dates were
distributed.
When the time came for Faatimah (Radhiallaahu Ánha) to go to Áli's
(Radhiallaahu Ánhu) house, she was sent without any clamour, hue and
cry accompanied Umm Ayman (Radhiallaahu Ánhu). After the Éesha Salaat,
the Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) went to their house, took
permission and entered. He asked for a basin of water, put his blessed
hands into it and sprinkled it on both Áli (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) and
Faatimah (Radhiallaahu Ánha) and made Duá for them.
The sovereign of both worlds gave his beloved daughter a silver
bracelet, two Yemeni sheets, four mattresses, one blanket, one pillow,
one cup, one hand-grinding mill, one bedstead, a small water skin and
a leather pitcher.
In this simple fashion, the wedding of the daughter of the leader of
the worlds was solemnised. In following this Sunnah method, a wedding
becomes very simple and easy to fulfill.
SOME METHODS DERIVED FROM THE ABOVEMENTIONED MARRIAGE
1.The many customs as regards engagement are contrary to the Sunnah.
In fact, many are against the Shariáh and are regarded sins. A verbal
proposal and answer is sufficient.
2.To unnecessarily delay Nikah of both the boy and the girl after
having reached the age of marriage is incorrect.
3.There is nothing wrong in inviting one's close associates for the
occasion of Nikah. However, no special pains should be taken in
gathering the people from far off places.
4.It is appropriate that the bridegroom be a few years older than the bride.
5.If the father of the girl is an Áalim or pious and capable of
performing Nikah, then he should himself solemnise the marriage.
6.It is better to give the Mahr Faatimi and one should endeavour to do
so. But if one does not have the means then there is nothing wrong in
giving less.
7.It is totally un-Islamic for those, who do not possess the means, to
incur debts in order to have grandiose weddings.
8.It is fallacy to think that one's respect will be lost if one does
not hold an extravagant wedding and invite many people. What is our
respect compared to that of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam)?
9.The present day practice of the intermingling of sexes is an act of
sin and totally against Shariáh.
10.There is nothing such as engagement parties and Medhi parties in Islam.
11.Great care must be taken as regards to Salaat on occasions of
marriage by all - the bride, the bridegroom and all the participants.
12.It is un-Islamic to display the bride on stage.
13.The unnecessary expenses incurred by the bride's family in holding
a feast has no basis in Shariáh.
14.For the engaged couple to meet at a public gathering where the boy
holds the girl's hand and slips a ring on her finger is a violation of
the Qurãnic law of Hijaab.
15.It is un-Islamic for the engaged couple to meet each other and also
go out together.
16.Three things should be borne in mind when giving one's daughter
gifts and presents at the time of Nikah:
· Presents should be given within one's means (it is not permissible
to take loans, on interest for such presents);
· To give necessary items;
· A show should not be made of whatever is given.
17.It is Sunnat for the bridegroom's family to make Walimah.
Note:In Walimah, whatever is easily available should be fed to the
people and care should be taken that the is no extravagance, show and
that no debts are incurred in the process.
18. To delay Nikah after the engagement is un-Islamic.
SOME CUSTOMS
In aping Western methods sheepishly, Muslims have adopted many customs
which are un-Islamic and frowned upon.
Some examples are:
*.Displaying the bride on stage;
*.Inviting guests for the wedding from far off places;
*.Receiving guests in the hall;
*.The bride's people incurring unnecessary expenses by holding a feast
which has no basis in Shariáh. We should remember that Walimah is the
feast arranged by the bridegroom after the marriage is consummated.
*.It is contrary to Sunnah (and the practice of some non-Muslim tribes
in India) to wish, hope for or demand presents and gifts for the
bridegroom, from the bride's people. We should always remember that
our Nabi (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) did not give Áli (Radhiallaahu
Ánhu) anything except Duá.