❖ Extravagant Wedding Processions Have No Basis in Sharīʿah
Written by: ʿImrān Ayyūb Lāhorī
❖ Sharīʿah's Stance on Lavish Wedding Customs
Islam does not recognize the concept of large, lavish wedding processions (excessive 'baraat').
This is because, according to the Qur'an, financial responsibility in marriage lies upon the man:
"وَبِمَا أَنْفَقُوا مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ"
“…because they (men) spend from their wealth.”
Sūrat al-Nisāʾ: 34This verse establishes that it is the man who bears the financial obligation, not the bride's family.
❖ Prohibited Pre-Marriage Customs
Islamic law does not permit the following common cultural practices:
Henna ceremonies (ḥanā) involving gatherings of singing and music before the nikāḥ. Demanding dowry (jahez) from the bride's family. Forcing specific or extravagant mahr (dower) upon the groom by the bride’s family.❖ Conclusion:
Islam emphasizes simplicity in marriage and discourages burdensome cultural practices that go beyond what is legislated in the Sharīʿah.
وَاللهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
And Allāh knows best what is correct.
