Overview
The Muslim wedding ceremony is also known as the Katb Al-kitaab Ceremony. This ceremony is usually held in a Mosque, but can be held at a venue or the bride's house. Most Katb Al-kitaab ceremonies today mix traditional Muslim and modern western wedding traditions. Marriage is seen as a social contract in Islam, so either party may seek divorce if the terms of this contract are not upheld.
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Typical Parts of a Wedding
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Tolbe |
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The tolbe or tulba is a ceremony during which the groom formally asks the bride's parents for her hand in marriage. This ceremony takes place before the wedding and is followed by a prayer from the Quran as well as tea or coffee for both families.
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Katb Al-kitaab |
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This is the actual marriage ceremony when the bride and groom sign a contract. This step in the wedding process differs the most depending on the family. In some cultures, the bride does not have to be present and instead sends two witnesses in her place. A religious official is not required, but if one is present, he may give a short sermon. The Katb Al-kitaab may take place in a Mosque, at a venue, or at the bride's house.
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Mahr |
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The Mahr is a dowry or payment that the groom must provide to the bride during the Katb Al-kitaab ceremony. This dowry symbolizes love, respect and courtesy toward the woman and in the event of a divorce, the bride may take the Mahr with her.
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Zaffe |
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This is the couple's grand entrance into their reception after the contract has been signed. Typically, the bride's father walks his daughter to the groom followed by music, exchanging of rings, and cheers from the attendees. Many brides wear a traditional white dress, but Muslims in Asia more often choose the shalwar-kameez outfit in red with golden thread and details.
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Cake Cutting |
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Cake cutting is a widely accepted wedding tradition regardless of culture, however during an Arab Muslim wedding, the cake is cut with a sword that has been handed down in the groom's family.
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Barmet Al-aroos |
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This is the farewell to the bride and groom after the reception is over. As the bride and groom leave in a flashy, highly decorated vehicle, the attendees follow them home in their own vehicles as a way to announce to the world that the couple was just married.
Sources
Maqsood, R. W. (2009, August 8). Weddings. Retrieved from BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/ritesrituals/weddings_1.shtml
Parvez, B. (2021, May 16). Everything You Need to Know About the Nikah Ceremony. Retrieved from Brides: https://www.brides.com/nikkah-ceremony-5079931
Salam, E. (2021, June 24). 7 Arab Muslim Wedding Traditions You Need to Know. Retrieved from Brides: https://www.brides.com/arab-muslim-wedding-traditions-4801997
Parvez, B. (2021, May 16). Everything You Need to Know About the Nikah Ceremony. Retrieved from Brides: https://www.brides.com/nikkah-ceremony-5079931
Salam, E. (2021, June 24). 7 Arab Muslim Wedding Traditions You Need to Know. Retrieved from Brides: https://www.brides.com/arab-muslim-wedding-traditions-4801997