Islamic Marriage Articles, - Al-Nikah

Mutual Agreement of Bride and Groom
Marriage (nikah) is a solemn and sacred social contract between bride
and groom. This contract is a strong covenant (mithaqun Ghalithun) as
expressed in Quran 4:21). The marriage contract in Islam is not a
sacrament. It is revocable.
Both parties mutually agree and enter into this contract. Both bride
and groom have the liberty to define various terms and conditions of
their liking and make them a part of this contract.
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.
Sermon
The assembly of nikah is addressed with a marriage sermon
(khutba-tun-nikah) by the Muslim officiating the marriage. In marriage
societies, customarily, a state appointed Muslim judge (Qadi)
officiates the nikah ceremony and keeps the record of the marriage
contract. However any trust worthy practicing Muslim can conduct the
nikah ceremony, as Islam does not advocate priesthood. The documents
of marriage contract/certificate are filed with the mosque (masjid)
and local government for record.
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.
The Khutbah-tun-Nikah begins with the praise of Allah. His help and
guidance is sought. The Muslim confession of faith that 'There is none
worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His servant and
messenger" is declared. The three Quranic verses (Quran 4:1, 3:102,
33:70-71) and one Prophetic saying (hadith) form the main text of the
marriage. This hadith is:
'By Allah! Among all of you I am the most God-fearing, and among you
all, I am the supermost to save myself from the wrath of Allah, yet my
state is that I observe prayer and sleep too. I observe fast and
suspend observing them; I marry woman also. And he who turns away from
my Sunnah has no relation with me". (Bukhari)
The Muslim officiating the marriage ceremony concludes the ceremony
with prayer (Dua) for bride, groom, their respective families, the
local Muslim community, and the Muslim community at large (Ummah)
Marriage (nikah) is considered as an act of worship (ibadah). It is
virtuous to conduct it in a Mosque keeping the ceremony simple. The
marriage ceremony is a social as well as a religious activity. Islam
advocates simplicity in ceremonies and celebrations.
Prophet Muhammad (S) considered simple weddings the best weddings:
'The best wedding is that upon which the least trouble and expense is
bestowed". (Mishkat)
Primary Requirements
1.Mutual agreement (Ijab-O-Qubul) by the bride and the groom
2.Two adult and sane witnesses
3.Mahr (marriage-gift) to be paid by the groom to the bride either
immediately (muajjal) or deferred (muakhkhar), or a combination of
both
Secondary Requirements
1.Legal guardian (wakeel) representing the bride
2.Written marriage contract ("Aqd-Nikah) signed by the bride and the
groom and witnesses by two adult and sane witnesses
3.Qadi (State appointed Muslim judge) or Ma'zoon (a responsible person
officiating the marriage ceremony)
4.Khutba-tun-Nikah to solemnize the marriage
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.
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) - - -- -
* visit for more detailed Articles-[a]
http://aydnajimudeen.blogspot.com/[/a] ═ ═ (or) [a]
http://aydnajimudeen.wapka.mobi /[/a] - - - * - Publisher - "
NajimudeeN M-India " - on- Sunday, DEC 8, 2013 - - - -

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.

Islamic Marriage Articles, - Wedding in Islam

Spouses
Allah, most Gracious says about spouses in Quran:
Among His signs is [the fact] that He has created spouses for you
among yourselves so that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and
He has planted love and mercy between you; In that are signs for
people who reflect.
Qur'an [30 : 21]
and says:
... they are a garment for you and you are a garment to them ...
Qur'an [2 : 187]
Consider this in conjunction with the following verse:
... the best garment is the garment of God-consciousness ...
Qur'an [7 : 26]
It requires that a husband and wife should be as garments for each
other. Just as garments are for protection, comfort, show and
concealment for human beings, Allah expects husbands and wives to be
for one another.
And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one
another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they
establish worship and they pay the poor-due, and they obey Allah and
His messenger; as for those, Allah will have mercy on them; Lo! Allah
is Mighty, Wise. Allah hath promised to believers - men and women -
gardens underwhich rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful
mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss; but the greatest bliss is
the good pleasure of Allah: This is the supreme felicity.
Qur'an [9 : 71 - 72]
Whom to marry
Allah also gives us freedom and urges us to:
...Marry the women of your choice...
Qur'an [4 : 3]
Similarly, for the women:
"A girl came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and informed him that
her father had married her to her cousin against her wishes, whereupon
the Prophet allowed her to exercise her choice. She then said, 'I am
reconciled to what my father did but I wanted to make it known to
women that fathers have no say in this matter'".
[Ibn Majah]
Narrated Abdullah: "We were with the Prophet, peace be upon him, while
we were young and had no wealth whatever. So Allah's Apostle, peace be
upon him, said, `O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should
marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty, and
whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his
sexual power.'"
[Bukhari]
Narrated Abu Huraira: "The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, `A woman
is married for four things, i.e., her wealth, her family status, her
beauty, and her religion. So you should marry the religious woman
[otherwise] you will be a loser.'"
[Bukhari]
Mahr
Mahr is the gift that is given by the husband to his wife at wedding.
It can be anything in any amount, as agreed by the bride and
bride-groom. Allah says about Mahr in the Chapter `Woman' in Quran:
And give the women (on marriage) their Mahr as a free gift ...
Qur'an [4 : 4]
But if you had given the latter a cantar (of gold i.e. a great amount)
for dower (Mahr) take not the least bit of it back ...
Qur'an [4 : 20]
Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d: " A woman came to the Prophet,, and presented
herself to him (for marriage). He said, 'I am not in need of women
these days.' Then a man said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Marry her to me."
The Prophet asked him, 'What have you got?' He said, 'I have got
nothing.' The Prophet said, 'Give her something, even an iron ring.'
He said, 'I have got nothing.' The Prophet asked (him), "How much of
the Quran do you know (by heart)?' He said, 'So much and so much.' The
Prophet said, 'I have married her to you for what you know of the
Quran.' '"
[Bukhari]
Sex
Sex is seen as an act of procreation. An eye for the what is about to
come is kept open in this respect as well. The following prayer
reminds us of God, results of our actions, and reminds us of our
commitment to train our offsprings.
Narrated Ibn Abbas: "The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, `If anyone
of you, when having a sexual intercourse with his wife says:
In the name of Allah! O Allah! Protect me from Satan and protect what
you bestow upon us (i.e. an offspring) from Satan.
and if it is destined that they should have a child, then Satan will
never be able to harm him.'"
[Bukhari]
Walima
Walima is the wedding reception given to friends and family after the
consummation of marriage. It is given by the husband on this
auspicious occassion, showing his happiness and sharing it with the
friends and family.
Narrated Anas: When 'Abdur-Rahman came to us, the Prophet established
a bond of brotherhood between him and Sa'd bin Ar-Rabi'. Once the
Prophet said, "As you (O 'Abdur-Rahman) have married, give a wedding
banquet even if with one sheep." '"
[Bukhari]
Narrated Abu Musa: "The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, `Set the
captives free, accept the invitation (including to a wedding banquet),
and pay a visit to the patients.'"
[Bukhari]
By this saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him, it is also enjoined
upon us to join in the happiness of our brothers.
Duties and Rights of Husband and Wife after marriage
Allah informs us about the just rights of each other on us:
... the wife's rights (with regard to their husbands) are equal to the
(husband's) rights with regard to them, although men are a degree
above them; and Allah is Almighty, Wise.
Qur'an [2 : 228]
The statement that men are a degree above women means that authority
within the household has been give to the husband in preference to the
wife because a heavier burden has been placed on his shoulders by
another verse of the Quran which says:
Men shall take full care of women, because Allah has given the one
more strength than the other, and because they support them from their
means.Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard
in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard ...
Qur'an [4 : 34]
Advice to Husbands
Jabir Narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, gave these
instructions in his sermon during Farewell Pilgrimage: "Fear God
regarding women; for you have taken them [in marriage] with the trust
of God."
[Mishkat]
Narrated Aisha, God's messenger said: "Among the believers who show
most perfect faith are those who have the best disposition, and are
kindest to their families."
[Tirmidhi]
Narrated Abu Huraira, God's messenger said: "The believers who show
the most perfect faith are those who have the best disposition and the
best of you are those who are best to their wives."
[Tirmidhi]
Aisha has related that the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, would
enter the house with a pleasing disposition and a smile on his lips.
[Uswa-i-Hasana]
Narrated Al-Aswad: "I asked Aisha, `What did the Prophet, peace be
upon him, do at home?' She said, `He used to work for his family and
when he heard the call for the prayer, he would go out.'"
[Bukhari]
Narrated Abu Huraira: "Allah's Apostle, peace be upon him, said, `The
woman is like a rib; if you try to straighten her, she will break. So
if you want to get benefit from her, do so while she still has some
bent.'"
[Bukhari]
Narrated Abu Huraira: "The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, `Whoever
believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt (trouble) his
neighbor. And I advise you to take care of women, for they are created
from a rib and the most crooked portion of the rib is its upper part;
if you try to straighten it, it will break, and if you leave it, it
will reamin crooked, so I urge you to take care of women.
[Bukhari]
Narrated Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As: "Allah's Apostle, peace be upon
him, said, `O Abdullah! Have I not been informed that you fast all the
day and stand in prayer all night?' I said, `Yes, O Allah's Apostle!'
He said, `Do not do that! Observe the fast sometimes and also leave
them at other times; stand up for the prayer at night and also sleep
at night. Your body has a right over you and your eyes have right over
you and your wife has a right over you.'"
[Bukhari]
Narrated Ibn Umar: "The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, `All of you
are guardians and are responsible for your wards. The ruler is a
guardian and the man is a guardian of his family; the lady is a
guardian who is responsible for her husband's house and his offspring;
and so all of you are guardians and are responsible for your wards.'"
[Bukhari]
Men should forbear any shortcomings of women in view of the following
verse of Quran:
Live with them in kindness; even if you dislike them, perhaps you
dislike something in which God has placed much good.
Qur'an [4 : 19]
Advice to Wives
Anas reported God's messenger as saying, "When a woman observes the
five times of prayer, fasts during Ramadan, preserves her chastity and
obeys her husband, she may enter by any of the gates of paradise she
wishes (in other words nothing will prevent her from entering
paradise)."
[Mishkat]
Um Salama reported God's messenger as saying, "Any woman who dies when
her husband is pleased with her will enter Paradise."
[Tirmidhi]
Abu Huraira told that when God's messenger was asked which woman was
best, he replied, "The one who fills [her husband] with joy when he
sees her, obeys him when he directs and does not oppose him by
displeasing him regarding her person or property."
[Mishkat]
Providing for wife and family
Quran teaches us to be reasonable and fair to our wives and family.
House women wherever you reside, accoding to your circumstances, and
do not harass them in order to make life difficult for them ...
Qur'an [65 : 6]
The statement of Allah in the chapter `Woman':
`Men are protectors and maintainers of women ...'
Qur'an [4 : 34]
Bukhari quotes the following verse under the heading: .. the
superiority of providing for one's family:
(O Mohammed!) They ask you what they ought to spend. Say: That which
is beyond your needs. Thus Allah make clear to you His Signs in order
that you may give thought (to it) in this worldly life and the
Hereafter ...
Qur'an [2 : 219-220]
Narrated Abu Masud Al-Ansari: "The Prophet, peace be upon him, said,
`When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive
Allah's reward, it is regarded as Sadqa (spending in the name of God)
for him.'"
[Bukhari]
We should always remember that Allah is the one who gives us, we are
mere trustees of the funds.
Narrated Abu Huraira: "Allah's Apostle, peace be upon him, said,
`Allah said, O the son of Adam! Spend, and I shall spend on you.'"
[Bukhari]
Narrated Abu Huraira: "Allah's Apostle, peace be upon him, said, `The
best alms is that which you give when you are rich, and you should
support your dependants first.'"
[Bukhari]
Abu Huraira reported God's messenger, peace be upon him, as saying:
"Of the dinar (unit of currency) that you spend as a contribution in
God's path, or to set free a slave, or as charity given to a needy, or
to support your family, the one yielding the greatest reward is that
which you spent on your family.
[Muslim]

The Heart of the Matter |-:__:-|: Women site, - Whom Should you Choose as a Husband?...

The Heart of the Matter |-:__:-|: Women site, - Whom Should you Choose as a Husband?...: Share • He should have memorized a portion of the Quran The immigrant Companion, Abu Huthayfah ibn ‘Utbah ibn Rabee‘ah,...