by Dawn Hawkins

Created on: April 16, 2009

Muslim weddings have quite a few different traditions than those of it's American counterpart. Although the ideas are similar in some ways, the way in which it is carried out is far different. Here are some of the pre-wedding rituals that are carried out by many Muslims.

Here are some of the traditions that are carried out by Muslims before the actual wedding:

Henna Party For the Bride

This party is given for the bride and female guests. The Islamic term is Mehndi. It takes place at another persons home, much like the Bridal shower that is an American tradition. This Islam tradition is far different from the American bridal shower though.

Henna (Mehndi) paste is used to "decorate" the bride's hands and feet. A person with artistic talent performs the paintings. This has a two-fold purpose. Henna is known to give the skin a healthy glow and creates protection for it. It is also considered beautiful. You may be familiar with Henna tattoos which are painted on to the skin here the United States. It is the same thing. It will last for some time and there will be some staining of the skin for several weeks.

Guests also often brings gifts for the bride. The gifts usually include such things as perfumes, fragrant oils, jewelry and silk. There is an activity for the groom and his men as well which is akin to the American bachelor party.

Bath

In order to cleanse the bride and groom for the wedding day, there are bath ceremonies. The relatives of the groom are in attendance to witness the ritual. The bride begins preparing herself approximately five days before the ceremony. This is to purify herself for her future husband. The bride goes to the bathhouse several times over the five day period as her female relatives witness it.

This is a very important Muslim process and is celebrated accordingly. Musicians are in attendance along with dancers. These people are dressed in very bright and festive garb for the procession.

Drinks

In Islam, the engagement is not official until a drink is shared. The drink of choice is Sherbert. This drink is made with ice and fruit juice. The local religious leader, which is named Imam, is present at this ceremony. He asks the father's of the couple to show their support by stating so three times. This is done in front of family and friends which makes it a very public event. After the Imam has declares the engagement official everyone takes a drink of the sherbert in recognition of the betrothal.

Male Gathering for Prayer

The celebrations continue on throughout the engagement. The male family members and friends of the bride and groom meet at noon for prayers at the Mosque. This is done the Friday following the official engagement. It is called a fatha. The members involved in the celebration raise their arms in prayer to God. They ask for blessings on the fathers as well as the bride and groom. A member of the wedding party stands in the center to lead the prayer service. This man cannot be either of the fathers.

These traditions are very interesting. These run true to the Muslim faith and make a point to include God in the "parties" that celebrate the union of the Muslim couple. Although these rituals have major differences to the traditions of other cultures, it is a wonderful way to celebrate any wedding.

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