Muslim Marriage Process

By Linda Ray

Photo by iStockphoto.com

Rules for the Muslim marriage process are spelled out in the Quran, according to consultants at Hilal Plaza, an American Islamic informational and traditional shopping site. The four-part process covers the engagement through the ceremony. A marriage is acceptable to Muslim authorities, however, as long as the guardian of the bride accepts the proposal and the groom acknowledges the acceptance.

Choosing

Muslim men and women are encouraged to look for strong religious beliefs and practices in their future spouses as they begin the marriage process.

Publicity

The Muslim marriage process should include an engagement that is made public so as to avoid hasad, or destructive envy and bitterness.

Tradition

While a man may look at his future bride, he may not touch her, including holding hands, until after the wedding, the Muslim scholars at SunniPath say.

Ceremony

While Muslim ceremonies can be lavish and entertaining, many Muslims marry in small ceremonies officiated by an Iman and a minimum of two witnesses.

Gifts

The woman is not obliged to give a gift to the man in the Muslim marriage process, but a dowry, or mahr, is expected from the groom as a sign he takes his responsibilities to his fiancee seriously.

Blessings

The parents of the groom host a valima, or dinner, the night after the wedding. The bride and groom go to their new home after this meal.