There are many traditions and superstitions surrounding weddings, and one of the most well-known is that it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony. This tradition dates back to when marriages were arranged and served as a business deal between families. To prevent the groom from backing out of the wedding if he didn't find the bride attractive, the couple would be kept apart until the ceremony, with the bride's face veiled until the very last moment. Nowadays, this superstition has evolved into the romantic idea that couples should keep their wedding attire a surprise until they meet at the altar. However, with modern weddings becoming more personalised, many couples are choosing to do a `first look` before the ceremony, where they see each other for the first time on their wedding day in private, often with just a photographer present to capture the moment. So, while it's not common for the groom to see the veil before the wedding, ultimately, it's up to the couple to decide what traditions they want to incorporate into their special day.
What You'll Learn
- In Islam, the groom can see the bride's face before marriage
- In Islam, the groom and bride are not allowed to kiss before marriage
- In Islam, the groom and bride are not allowed to touch before marriage
- In Islam, the groom and bride are not allowed to be alone together before marriage
- In Islam, the groom and bride are not allowed to exchange vows before marriage
In Islam, the groom can see the bride's face before marriage
In Muslim weddings, the groom is allowed to see the bride's face, and there is a specific ritual called the "Arsi Mushaf" where the groom sees the bride's face in a mirror held between them. This ritual is a part of the wedding traditions in some Muslim cultures.
According to Islamic teachings, the groom has the right to see the face of the bride before the marriage contract is signed. It is recommended that the groom looks at the bride with the intention of investigating and not with the intention of lust. The groom should only look at the bride if there are no other obstacles to the marriage, such as the father's disapproval or if the woman is already married.
During the wedding ceremony, the groom is not allowed to look at the bride with lustful intentions. However, if he unintentionally feels lust after seeing the bride, it is not considered a problem. It is preferable for the groom to look at the bride through a thin or see-through cloth.
The act of looking at the bride should be the last step of the investigation process. The groom and bride must have already conducted other necessary investigations, and the marriage should only be halted if they truly like each other's appearance. If the groom's decision to marry the bride is not dependent on her looks, then he is not permitted to look at her body.
In some Muslim cultures, such as Arab weddings, the groom's family may host a separate reception called the "Valima" or "Walima." This reception is held in addition to the wedding ceremony and is considered an Islamic requirement, with the groom traditionally paying for it.
In conclusion, while Islam permits the groom to see the bride's face before marriage, there are specific guidelines and rituals associated with this practice. These rules ensure that the act is done with the right intentions and respect for both individuals involved.
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In Islam, the groom and bride are not allowed to kiss before marriage
In Islam, the bride and groom are not allowed to kiss before marriage. The religion outlines several rules that a couple ought to follow before and during the marriage ceremony. According to the hadith by Prophet Muhammad, it is better for a Muslim to have a nail driven into his head than to touch anyone who is not a close relation. While a man is allowed to look at a woman when proposing marriage, Islam does not permit touching, kissing, or being alone with a person they intend to marry before the wedding, as they are considered strangers to each other until the marriage contract is signed.
Kissing before marriage is considered haram in Islam. However, after the marriage ceremony, there is nothing wrong with kissing. In fact, Islam permits kissing for a husband and wife to privately enjoy. While a pious kiss on the forehead, cheeks, and hands is allowed, kissing in public is generally discouraged and considered haram. Public displays of lust and romance are not advised in Islam, as they are considered an insult to one's spouse and can lead to embarrassment and legal action.
In contrast, there is no rule forbidding a bride from seeing her groom's suit before the wedding. This decision is left to the couple, and many brides choose to see the suit to help with styling, matching, or ironing. Similarly, the groom can decide whether or not he wants to see his bride's veil before the wedding.
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In Islam, the groom and bride are not allowed to touch before marriage
Islam does, however, allow the couple to look at each other before marriage. The man is allowed to look at the face and hands of the woman, with or without her permission. This is to ensure that there is love and compatibility between the couple. The woman is also allowed to look at the man if she intends to marry him.
Islam also has rules about what the couple can wear before and during the wedding. For example, it is haram to buy gold or pure silk clothing for the groom to wear, and it is haram for the bride to wear arousing clothing at the wedding if non-mahram men will be present.
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In Islam, the groom and bride are not allowed to be alone together before marriage
If both parties agree to move forward, they enter the committed stage, which is similar to an engagement. At this stage, the couple is still prohibited from meeting privately and touching each other. The next step is the nikah, the official religious wedding. The nikah ceremony requires the groom, the bride, one male relative of the bride, two Muslim witnesses, and one Imam to officiate the process. The final step is the Walima, a wedding reception banquet organized and paid for by the groom's side.
In Islam, marriage is highly valued and regarded as being half of one's faith. It is encouraged as family life is considered a "blessing" and a source of stability. The purpose of marriage in Islamic culture is to preserve the religion through the creation of a family.
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In Islam, the groom and bride are not allowed to exchange vows before marriage
During the wedding ceremony, the imam, cleric, or other Muslim officiant will usually read verses from the Quran and may deliver a sermon on the topic of marriage. The couple then conveys their willingness to marry by accepting the terms of the Nikah contract three times, responding "Qabul" ("I accept" in Arabic) to each prompt. After this, the couple and two chosen male witnesses sign the contract, officially declaring their marriage in the eyes of Allah.
While vows are not traditionally exchanged, some modern Muslim couples choose to incorporate them into their wedding ceremony, particularly those from different cultures or faiths. These vows may include the following phrasing:
> I, [bride's name], offer you myself in marriage in accordance with the instructions of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him. I pledge, in honesty and with sincerity, to be for you an obedient and faithful wife.
>
> I, [groom's name], pledge, in honesty and sincerity, to be for you a faithful and helpful husband.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence to suggest that it is bad luck for the groom to see the veil before the wedding. The tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding stems from arranged marriages, where it was considered bad luck for the couple to meet before the ceremony in case the groom backed out.
Ultimately, it is up to the bride to decide whether or not to show the groom her veil. If she wants to keep her wedding look a surprise, she might prefer to keep it hidden. However, if she wants his opinion on it or wants to experiment with different styles, she might decide to show it to him.
In Judaism, couples participate in the Bedeken ceremony, where the groom looks at the bride and then places a veil over her head to ensure he is marrying the right person. This tradition stems from the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah in the book of Genesis from the Torah.