In Islamic wedding, Nikkah is the event that carries the most significance, as it is an occasion where a bride and groom officially announced husband and wife. This is the dream of mostly boys and girls who want spend the rest of their life with someone they were wishing for, and Islam teaches us to tie the knot with someone you love, Holy prophet PBUH said;
“There is nothing better for two who love each other than marriage”
In our society, the concept of an Islamic wedding is considered patriarchal, where a girl cannot express her desire on her Nikkah. However, marriage in Islam is quite liberal. Here are some facts about that everyone knows about it.
- Forced marriages are Haram (prohibited) in Islam. If any parent of anyone is forcing any boy or a girl to marry, then this will be considered as a Haram and this marriage cannot be done until the boy or a girl agrees to marry each other with a free will. The Quran states in Surah An-Nisa:
“O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! It is not lawful for you to force women into marrying or holding on to them in marriage against their will.” [Quran, 4:19].
- Dowry is not allowed! Through many quotations, Islam has completely opposed the concept of Dowry. Islam emphasises the groom to bear all the wedding expenses and not letting a single penny to be spent from the bride’s side. In Islam, the bride and her family are under no obligation whatsoever to present a gift to the groom.
“And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously. But if they give up willingly to you anything of it, then take it in satisfaction and ease” [Quran 4:4]
- As per Islamic laws and Shariah, Both the groom and the bride has equal right to give divorce. They even can add this clause in their Islamic Marriage Contract (Nikah Nama).
- A gift to the bride is compulsory – Mahr (The cost decided before Nikah) that can be paid anytime, not at the time of divorce. Husband has to pay it as it is a debt on him.
“And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, take it and enjoy it with right good cheer” [Quran 4:4]
- A woman in Islam does not shoulder any financial obligations; it is the man who shoulders this responsibility in the family. A man should be well enough to provide his wife with a separate providing a home, food, and clothing.
- A husband cannot marry any other girl without the permission of his first wife, if he does the second marriage, then that marriage will be not permitted.