Rhiannon Hendricks
Islamic marital practices vary across different cultures, but there are some commonalities. For instance, in most Muslim weddings, the bride and groom do not kiss before or during the wedding ceremony, as it is forbidden for Muslims to have any physical contact with a person of a different gender who they could potentially marry. However, in some cultures, like in Egypt, the groom removes the bride's veil and kisses her on the cheek or forehead when she arrives at the reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kissing before marriage | Considered haram (forbidden) |
| Kissing at weddings | Permissible for the couple |
| Kissing a non-mahram | Haram (forbidden) |
| Kissing a mahram | Permissible |
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What You'll Learn
Kissing before marriage is forbidden in Islam
Islam prohibits kissing before marriage. Kissing, touching, and staring are all considered haram in Islam before marriage, as they are aspects of Zina, which can lead to the actual act of Zina (fornication or adultery). In Islam, one of the most important concepts is to control Nafs, or the inner, base self, which is related to the purification of the soul. This is why there is no kissing, hugging, or touching before marriage.
It is forbidden for Muslims to shake hands with unrelated women, let alone kiss. However, it is not inherently wrong to see someone and develop feelings for them. If two people love each other but avoid dating, unnecessary conversations, touching, or kissing, there is no problem. However, they should marry as soon as possible to protect themselves from haram actions.
While kissing before marriage is forbidden, it is customary for the groom to kiss his bride on the cheek or forehead at the wedding reception. At the reception, the newlyweds welcome the guests, take photographs, and perform various rituals and traditions such as belly dancing, drumming, and singing.
In conclusion, while Islam forbids kissing before marriage, it is an accepted part of the wedding ceremony and a way to express love and affection within the bounds of marriage.
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Wedding ceremonies include a family procession to the bride's home
Muslim wedding traditions vary across different cultures and countries. In some Muslim weddings, there is a procession towards the bride's home, which includes the family of the groom, and sometimes a colourful procession with dancing and singing. In Bedouin wedding ceremonies, the bride rides a camel towards her new home, accompanied by her wedding party. This is also seen in Egyptian Muslim weddings, where the bride travels by camel in a colourful procession.
In South Asian weddings, the groom is processed and presented to the bride during a baraat, where he arrives at the wedding venue in a decorated car, escorted by his friends and relatives. In this tradition, the groom is welcomed by a family member of the bride. In Kyrgyzstan, a colourful procession is also part of the wedding, where the "Ala Kachuu" or "bride kidnapping" takes place, which is now usually symbolic.
In some Muslim weddings, the groom's mother will visit the bride's home before the wedding, bringing gifts, sweets, and a gold or silver coin wrapped in silk, which is tied around the wrist of the bride. This visit signifies the blessing, affection, and support of the male members of the groom's family. The groom's family will also offer the bride a Mehr to seek her consent to the marriage.
After the wedding, the bride traditionally goes to live in the home of her husband. The mother-in-law will hold a copy of the Quran over the bride's head, symbolising the bride's duties as a wife. The couple is treated to a lavish spread, with gifts, fun, and dancing. On the fourth day after the wedding, the couple visits the bride's family, who greet them with affection and gifts.
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The bride and groom sit separately at the reception
In Muslim weddings, the bride and groom do not kiss before the marriage contract is completed. In fact, it is forbidden for Muslims to shake hands with anyone from the opposite gender they could potentially marry, let alone kiss them. This is because Islam considers it haram to kiss before marriage.
At the wedding reception, the bride and groom sit separately among gender-segregated attendees. The groom is first brought to the women's area to present gifts to his wife's sister. The couple sits apart, observing one another through mirrors, with a copy of the Quran placed between them.
The wedding reception, hosted by the groom's family, is known as the Valimah or the Dawat-e-walima. The newlyweds welcome the guests, take photographs, and enjoy entertainment such as belly dancing, drumming, and singing. Later, they participate in a candelabra dance and cut the wedding cake, feeding each other.
While kissing before marriage is prohibited in Islam, there are other ways to express affection and celebrate the union. The wedding reception is a joyous occasion filled with traditions and rituals that mark the beginning of the couple's married life together.
It is important to note that Islamic marital practices can vary based on regional and cultural influences, and some non-Muslim practices have been incorporated into modern Muslim weddings.
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Belly dancing is a common feature at Muslim weddings
In the past, belly dancers wore different attire than they do today, and weddings were gender-segregated, so the belly dancer would perform only for the women. Today, belly dancing is still common at weddings in Egypt and other Arab countries, but it is less accepted among Desi (South Asian) Muslims, who may view it as inappropriate or sexualised.
Belly dancing is not limited to Muslim weddings, as it is a feature of celebrations across many cultures in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. However, within the Muslim world, it is particularly prevalent in Arab cultures, where it is considered a normal part of wedding festivities.
While belly dancing is a traditional dance form, it has evolved and been influenced by Hollywood movies, which have contributed to its sexualisation in the eyes of some Muslims. Despite this, belly dancing remains a popular element of wedding celebrations for many Muslims, especially in Arab cultures, where it is seen as a harmless and enjoyable tradition.
In conclusion, belly dancing is a common feature at Muslim weddings, especially those of Arab cultures, where it is considered a traditional and enjoyable element of the festivities. While it is not universally accepted among all Muslim communities, it remains a popular tradition that adds joy and entertainment to Muslim wedding celebrations.
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The bride is welcomed by her mother-in-law, who holds a Quran over her head
In Islamic marital practices, the bride is often welcomed by her mother-in-law, who holds a Quran over her head when she arrives at her new husband's house after the wedding ceremony. This tradition is part of the cultural fabric of many Muslim societies and symbolizes the mother-in-law's blessing and protection for the new bride as she enters her married life.
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is considered a source of divine guidance and blessing. By holding it over the bride's head, the mother-in-law is believed to be invoking God's blessing and protection upon the new couple, seeking happiness and prosperity for their married life together. This act also signifies the importance of religious values and principles in their new life together.
The specific rituals and customs followed during a Muslim wedding can vary depending on regional and cultural influences. For instance, in some parts of the Muslim world, the wedding ceremony may include a family procession towards the bride's home, a re-enactment of a traditional war dance called "Al Ardha," and the display of the bride's wedding garments and gifts, known as "Zaahbaah." In Egypt, the largest Arab country with a predominantly Muslim population, contemporary marriages are often based on love and mutual attraction between the bride and groom.
While the mother-in-law's gesture of holding the Quran over the bride's head is a widely recognized tradition, it is essential to note that the specific practices may differ slightly across various Muslim cultures and communities. These variations reflect the diverse nature of Islamic societies worldwide, each with its unique blend of religious, cultural, and traditional influences.
In addition to the pious rituals and practices, some pre-Islamic customs and non-Muslim influences have also found their way into modern Muslim weddings. For example, belly dancing, music, and extravagant celebrations have become common features, even though they may not be considered strictly religious elements. Despite these variations and influences, the core Islamic values of modesty, piety, and mutual respect remain central to the wedding traditions and rituals, including the welcoming of the bride by her mother-in-law with the Quran.
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Frequently asked questions
It is forbidden for Muslims to kiss before marriage. Kissing someone who is not your mahram before marriage is haram.
Mahram refers to someone who is closely related to you. Both Muslim men and women are allowed to have casual physical contact with their mahrams.
During a Muslim wedding ceremony, the groom is customarily brought to the women's area first so he can present gifts to his wife's sister. The bride and groom sit together but can only observe one another via mirrors, with a copy of the Quran placed between their assigned seats.
Yes, during the wedding reception, the groom removes the bride's veil and kisses her on the cheek or forehead.
The reception includes welcoming guests, taking photographs, belly dancing, drumming, singing, a candelabra dance, and the cutting of the wedding cake.
