Muslim weddings are not only about the groom and bride but they also have a strong focus on two families joining together through the two souls who are coming together and living out their destinys together. There are many pre-wedding rituals that practicing muslims take part in. These rituals may differ depending on the families branch of Islam and their unique cultures.
The Dowry
The bride is often given a gift whether it is traditional such as land or gold. This gift is given to her or her family on behalf of the grooms family in exchange for her hand in marriage. This could be done in a ceremony either before the wedding or at the time of the couples engagement. Some sects no longer take part in this tradition and some even reject the dowry and see it as an insult.
Legan Shir
This is the gift of cash and is a tradition between the bride and grooms fathers. This usually occurs after the engagement is announced.
Cleansing Bath
Water is life and is important just as much in birth as it is before a wedding. The water represnts cleansing and purity. Depending on the sect of Islam this bath may refer to the groom or bride. The groom may take part in a bathing ritual and celebration as preparation. In the case of the bride, it is also for preparation and has the element of purification before giving themselves to their husband. This bathing is a family and community event which refers back to the families overall involvement in the wedding. Like many muslim traditions they are gender specific and the males and females maintain seperation pre-wedding.
Mehndi Ceremony
This is for the bride in which the family comes to her home the day before the wedding. It is a ceremony in which the realitives apply a treatment to the brides skin and help to purify her. This would occur in place of a cleaning bathe and is once again involving the family and friends in this tradition.
Dressing of the Couple
The bride and groom are dressed by their families before the weddings. Not only are their clothing meaningful but they are also adorned with jewellery and tokens that have different representations. This is important and these articles are often lavish and extravagant.
Pre-Wedding rituals involve the two families as they prepare their children for this joining of souls. These rituals join the families together before their children join together to fulfill their destinies. Destiny is a large aspect of Islam and a wedding is a joining of two destinies. Pre wedding traditions precede the wedding and there are also many significant post wedding traditions that also involve the families but focus more on the following through of the couples joined destiny.