Shehnaz Ibrahim

XXX

and

YYY
August 2, 2003

 "He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts."  Holy Qur'an 30:21

In Islam, marriage is known by the Arabic term, nikaah, and is considered an agreement between the couple and Allah. 

Jaan

YYY arrives at the Cultural Center accompanied by his family and friends.  XXX family and friends greet and welcome YYY and his family into the hall.  XXX does not come outside during this time.  YYY parents then escort him into the hall where the nikaah will be performed.  The groomsmen and  bridesmaids enter the hall and wait for XXX arrival.

Nikaah

XXX is escorted up to the aisle by her older sisters, XXX and YYY.  She then walks down

the aisle with her parents, AAA and

AAA.  AAA, the AAA, or individual who officiates the marriage ceremony, will speak on the significance of  XXX and YYY decision to marry

each other in the tradition of Islam. This  is Known as the Vaiz.

Next,Farid asks XXX and YYY parents for permission to proceed with the nikaah.

Farid then presents a khutbah, or formal reading of the Qur'an and hadith, on the meaning of marriage and the couple's responsibilities to each other and Allah.  XXX and YYY recite a traditional agreement which formalizes their union.  They then sign the marriage contract along with their designated witnesses, AAA, XXX, XXX and XXX and exchange rings to symbolize their commitment to one another.

Dua

Once the nikaah is complete,  Farid offers a prayer to bless the couple for happiness in their marriage. 

Walima

After the ceremony, the festivities continue with a walima, or wedding reception, for family and friends to celebrate the marriage. The reception includes dancing and a wedding feast of traditional foods and desserts.

Vidai

The Walima ends with XXX departure with YYY.  This is known as the vidai.  This farewell is traditionally  a very emotional part of the day because it symbolizes the bride leaving her parental home to begin a life with her husband.

"When a man takes to himself a woman or when a woman takes to herself a man, you take to yourself the worldly destiny of a human being."

-XXX AAA XXX YYY

XXX family

XXX and YYY

XXX and AAA and YYY

XXX and YYY

XXX YYY

YYY family

XXX

XXX

XXX and YYY

Bridesmaids

XXX

XXX

XXX

XXX

XXX

XXX

Groomsmen

XXX

XXX

XXX

XXX

XXX

XXX

"There is a grainy taste I prefer to every idea of heaven: human friendship." --Rumi

To our parents, for your unconditional love and tremendous faith; to our family and friends, for your  blessings on this day of love and promise; to XXX, for your guidance throughout the year and to Farid, for a beautiful ceremony. 

Much love to you all.

XXX and YYY

August 2, 2003