What is a Muslim wedding ceremony? [Infographic]

An Islamic wedding is a religious and social milestone in a Muslim’s life. The specific rituals of a Muslim wedding vary across different regions and cultures, however there are certain traditions that are consistent all over the world.

How does a Muslim wedding takes place?

A Muslim bride and groom may choose each other or the match can be arranged by their parents, with the willing consent of the couple. It is permitted for a man to take up to four wives, provided that he is able to support them and that such marriages are not to the detriment of any of the women. Although divorce is possible, a marriage should be entered into with the intention of forming a lifelong partnership.

A financial agreement called the ‘mahr’ marks the start of the wedding arrangements. The ceremony itself is simple and requires just two witnesses. It may be performed by the Imam, although this is not a requirement, often with readings from the Qur’an and the exchange of vows.

In Islam, a marriage must be announced in public; this is often achieved at a feast called a ‘walimah’, where family and friends gather to celebrate together. In some cultures, the couple sit on thrones; in others, they are showered with gifts or coins. In some Asian cultures, there are engagement and other pre-nuptial gatherings, including the painting of the bride’s hands and feed in henna patterns called ‘mehndi’, and the full wedding celebrations can last for several days.

An Islamic wedding may be large or small, quiet or festive. But each ceremony is a celebration of the couple entering into the ideal state of marriage.