Gifts For Newlyweds In Islam: What's Allowed?

Gifting is an integral part of Muslim weddings, with the common saying 'tahaabu tahaadu' translating to 'giving gifts to spread love'. Gifts are usually presented personally to the couple at the wedding, but if the couple is too busy, it is respectful to greet the parents and pass the gift through them. While there is no restriction on how to package a gift, cash gifts are usually placed in an envelope or card with the giver's name. Gifts can be religious, such as Islamic artwork, or more cultural, like jewellery or clothes for the bride. However, it is important to avoid gifts containing alcohol or related products, as well as those that are overly extravagant or include pork.

Islamic artwork and calligraphy

Islamic calligraphy, whether framed or on canvas, is a thoughtful and meaningful gift for couples who value spirituality and tradition in their home décor. It is neither merely aesthetic nor just designed but investing, making it a wonderful choice for an Islamic wedding gift.

Islamic calligraphy artwork can be purchased from online stores such as Etsy, which offers a wide range of options, including:

• Islamic calligraphy wall art
• Islamic calligraphy paintings
• Islamic calligraphy canvas
• Islamic calligraphy metal wall art
• Islamic calligraphy handmade items

When selecting an Islamic calligraphy gift, it is advisable to choose those that are easy to maintain and clean. For example, a blend of synthetic and cotton fabric canvas will serve this purpose.

Additionally, Islamic calligraphy gifts can be customised to make them even more special for the couple. For instance, prayer mats can be personalised with the couple's names or wedding date, adding a practical and emotional touch to their daily routine.

Islamic calligraphy artwork is a beautiful and culturally appropriate choice for a Muslim wedding gift, reminding the couple of their beliefs and adding a touch of Islamic tradition to their home décor.

Books of Islamic poetry

Gifting is a core part of Muslim culture and is common at weddings. If you're looking for a book of Islamic poetry to gift a Muslim couple, here are some options:

• The Essential Rumi by Jalal-ad Din Muhammad ar-Rumi (originally written in Persian): This collection of poems by a Sufi cleric has been translated into multiple languages and is considered one of the best pieces of Persian literature. It's a popular choice for a Muslim wedding gift.
• Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West by Daniel Ladinsky: A collection of poems from Eastern and Western sacred voices.
• Gleams from the Rawdat al-Shuhada (Garden of the Martyrs) of Husayn Vaiz Kashifi (translated and edited by Abdal Hakim Murad): This book of Islamic poetry has an average rating of 4.78 out of 5 stars.
• The Mantle Adorned by Al-Busiri (translated by Abdal Hakim Murad): A longer collection of Islamic poetry.
• A Scent of Sandalwood: Indo... by Aziz Esmail: A shorter collection of Islamic poetry.
• Poems from the Straight Path by Joel Hayward: Another collection of Islamic poetry.
• Splitting the Moon: A Collection of Islamic Poetry by Joel Hayward: This book of poetry reflects on Islam in the 21st century and is written from the perspective of a Western Muslim.

Gifts of money

Gifting is a core part of Muslim culture and is especially prevalent during weddings. Gifts of money are common in Muslim weddings, and this can take the form of cash or cheques. In some cultures, it is customary for guests to give small amounts of money to the bride during henna parties. In other cultures, guests give money directly to the couple.

In some countries, gifts of money are considered a type of loan, and the recipient is expected to return the same amount or more on a subsequent happy occasion. This is known as nuqoot in many countries. However, if the custom in a particular country is that money given on such occasions is purely a gift, the recipient is not expected to keep a record of it or return it.

In Islam, the mahr is a compulsory part of the marriage contract. It is a gift of money, possessions, or property from the husband to the wife, which becomes her exclusive property. There is no upper limit to the amount of mahr, and it should be fixed taking into account the bridegroom's position in life. It is considered unlawful in Islam to demand a huge mahr, especially with the intention of deterring suitors of humble means.

Gifts of jewellery or clothes

Gifts of jewellery or clothing are common at Muslim weddings, especially in South Asian and Arab cultures. In these cultures, it is customary for the bride's family to gift her with jewellery to wear on her wedding day, which is often made of gold or silver and kept simple and elegant. The most important piece of jewellery for a Muslim bride is a Quran pendant, which is usually made of gold or silver and inscribed with a Quranic verse. Other popular pieces of jewellery include halal earrings, which are worn by both the bride and groom, and rings, which are exchanged during the ceremony.

In addition to jewellery, guests may also give clothing as a gift. However, it is important to remember that both men and women are expected to dress modestly in Muslim cultures, so tight or revealing clothes may not be appropriate.

Gifts of food

Gifting is a core part of the Islamic religion and is a well-accepted deed at Muslim weddings. When choosing a gift, it's important to be aware of the most appropriate and suitable gifts for a Muslim couple.

When it comes to gifts of food, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to avoid any food items that contain pork or alcohol, as these are prohibited in the Islamic religion. Instead, opt for food gifts that are halal and respectful of the couple's religious beliefs.

• Chocolate baskets with halal chocolates
• Fruit and date baskets
• Imported olive oil, especially from a region with cultural significance to the couple, such as Jordan or Palestine
• Halal meat or a gift card for halal meat
• Tea or coffee sets, as these are often well-received gifts at weddings
• A dinner set or cutlery set
• A cookbook with halal recipes or a book of recipes from the couple's cultural background
• A gift basket with various spices, herbs, or seasonings
• Baked goods or desserts that do not contain any prohibited ingredients, such as alcohol or pork
• A gift card to a halal restaurant or catering service

Remember, it's always a good idea to prioritise the couple's preferences and cultural background when choosing a gift. If you're unsure about a particular food item, it's best to opt for something else or ask the couple or their families for guidance.

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