Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 147: Marriage Rites

If I were asked which Pakistani wedding ceremony I find most beautiful and meaningful. My answer would be Nikah. In my opinion Nikah is not just a ritual. Nut a sacred bond bestowed by Allah Almighty. Islam has described Nikah as a very simple pure and blessed act. This is the moment when two people start a new life with their own happiness. And consent and promise to be with each other with Allah Almighty as a witness.

I also like the Nikah ceremony. Necause it has simplicity dignity and spirituality. When the Qazi Sahib performs Nikah. Verses from the Holy Quran are recited. And the sound of "Qubool Hai" is heard from both sides. That scene gives a strange peace to the heart. At that time everyone prays from the heart that Allah Almighty will bless. The life of this new couple with love mercy peace and blessings. I think it's not a beautiful decoration or expensive. Ceremony in the world can compete with this spiritual joy.

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Although I also love the mehndi ceremony. Because it has colors music laughter and beautiful clothes. The importance of marriage is still the most. Sisters friends and cousins enjoy themselves together in mehndi. Mehndi is applied on the hands. Traditional songs are sung. Drums are played and there is an atmosphere of happiness everywhere. These are the moments that later become beautiful memories.

Similarly farewell is also an emotional ritual. Although both feelings of happiness and sadness accompany this occasion. It is the time when a daughter takes a step towards her new life. There is both joy in the eyes of the parents and the sorrow of separation. I think these emotions show the love of the family and the strong bonds.

I think the greatest beauty of our weddings is that. The family stands together in every ceremony. Relatives come from far and wide. Everyone prepares together helps each other and shares happiness. In today's busy life there are few opportunities. When the whole family can sit together and spend time. So wedding ceremonies strengthen love closeness and family ties.

Finally I would like to say that although every wedding ritual is beautiful in its own way. Nikah is the closest to my heart. Because it is the moment that begins a new pure and blessed journey. I pray that every Muslim's marriage is easy. In accordance with the will of Allah Almighty. And that every home is filled with love, peace and happiness.

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◉How have traditional marriage rites evolved in your community or region over time?◉

If we look at weddings from fifteen or twenty years ago. And compare them with today's weddings. We see many changes. I think every era has its own beauty. But there are some changes that have made weddings more expensive and difficult than before.

In the past the entire family would prepare for weddings together. The women of the house would sit together. And sew clothes prepare mehndi. And do other arrangements themselves. Relatives would come several days in advance. And everyone would happily fulfill their responsibilities. During this time laughter conversations. And each other's company would increase the joy of the wedding many times over. Mehndi ceremonies were also mostly held in homes where dholki was played. Traditional songs were sung. And everyone celebrated simply but wholeheartedly.

But nowadays things have changed a lot. Most weddings are held in wedding halls or large marquees. The decoration lighting photography videography. And other arrangements of the ceremony are done by professionals. Of course this has made it easier. But the expenses have also increased a lot compared to before. Sometimes people spend more than their status just to impress others. Which I don’t think is right.

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Social media has also had a profound impact on weddings. Nowadays every bride wants her dress to be unique. The decorations for every event to be new and the pictures to be beautiful. People start looking at different designs makeup and decoration ideas months in advance. Although this has brought new trends. Sometimes people start focusing more on pictures. And videos than on the actual happiness.

A positive change has also come that many people are now preferring simple marriages. There is a growing awareness among the younger generation. The real purpose of marriage is to unite two people in a pure relationship not to show off. Many families are now reducing unnecessary rituals. And organizing only necessary events, which is a welcome development.

Similarly educated families now give importance to the opinions of both the boy and the girl. Earlier sometimes decisions were made only by the elders. But now most parents respect the choices and advice of their children. I think this change is very positive for society. Because a happy married life is based on mutual consent and trust.

Although it is natural for change to occur with time. We should not forget our good traditions. Respect for elders hospitality family gatherings helping each other. And sharing happiness are the real hallmarks of our culture. Modern facilities should be adopted. But weddings should not be made. So difficult and expensive. It becomes difficult for ordinary people to hold them.

Finally I am of the same opinion that change is always good if it brings ease love and happiness. But if change only causes showiness competition and waste. Then we must consider it. A beautiful wedding is one that includes love simplicity prayers and family happiness. Because these are the things that are remembered for a lifetime.

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◉How do marriage rites contribute to the social and cultural identity of a community?◉

I think wedding rituals are the best reflection of the culture traditions and family values of any society. When we watch a wedding in a country or region. We learn a lot about the lifestyle dress language hospitality customs and family system of its people. That is why it is said that marriage is not just a beautiful union of two people. But of two families and two traditions.

Pakistan is a country where different provinces have their own culture and traditions. Punjab Sindh Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Balochistan Kashmir. And Gilgit-Baltistan the style of weddings of each region is somewhat different. Some traditional dances are performed. Some special dishes are prepared. Some of the brides wear a different style. And some the mehndi ceremony is celebrated in a unique way. Although these rituals are different. The purpose of all of them is to celebrate happiness. Bring families closer and pray for the new couple.

I think the best thing about Pakistani weddings is that. All family members support each other in them. During the wedding preparations relatives come from far away places. And stay together for several days. During this time, not only happiness is celebrated. But also meeting each other's love and family ties are strengthened. Children play with their cousins. Young people take on various responsibilities. And elders guide the new generation with their prayers and experiences. All these things play an important role in keeping our culture alive.

Islam has also declared marriage as a sacred relationship. In our country Nikah is given the most importance. Because it is the real foundation. Through Nikah two people are tied in a legitimate manner. And pure relationship and start their new life in the name of Allah Almighty. These Islamic teachings give beauty to our culture. And teach us that marriage is the name of love respect responsibility and patience.

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Nowadays although many new things have been added. To weddings due to the modern era. We should always maintain our good traditions. Hospitality respect for elders taking care of relatives. And celebrating happiness with simplicity are our real identity. If the new generation adopts these values. Our cultural identity will always remain strong.

Finally I would like to say that wedding rituals are not just a few ceremonies. But a beautiful representation of our history. Our culture and our family system. These rituals connect us to our roots. Create love in families and make the new generation aware of our traditions. I pray that the beautiful traditions of our culture will always remain. Qnd that every marriage will be filled with love happiness and respect. And countless blessings of Allah Almighty.

◉What are some of the challenges couples face in navigating or fulfilling specific marriage rite expectations today??◉

I think getting married in the present era has become more difficult than before. Although every person wants their marriage to be full of happiness. And memorable moments. The reality is that many young people. And their families face various problems and challenges. Due to these problems sometimes marriage is delayed. While some people also become mentally stressed.

The biggest problem is the increasing inflation. Nowadays wedding expenses have become very high. A lot of money is spent on the bride. And groom's clothes jewelry wedding hall food decorations photography. And other arrangements. Some families spend more than their status. Just so that people will praise them or their wedding will look more magnificent than others. I think this thinking is not correct. Because the purpose of marriage is not to show off but to start a new life.

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Another important problem is unnecessary customs and traditions. There are some traditions in our society that have nothing to do with Islam. But still they are considered necessary. If a family wants to have a simple wedding. Sometimes people start criticizing them. I think we should avoid such rituals that only increase the financial burden.

Nowadays the financial responsibilities on the youth are also very high. Many boys delay marriage due to not having a good job or a home of their own. Similarly some girls also want to get married after completing their education or job. All these circumstances make the decision of marriage more difficult than before.

Social media is also a factor that has greatly affected the style of weddings. People often want to have similar ceremonies after watching videos of expensive. And lavish weddings on the internet. When their desires are not fulfilled. They start considering themselves less than others. The truth is that a happy married life is not related to. Expensive clothes expensive jewelry or a big ceremony. But to love trust respect and understanding of each other.

I think if we follow the teachings of Islam. Many of these problems can automatically disappear. Islam has always advised simple and easy marriage. If families do not place unnecessary demands on each other. Avoid wasteful spending and only give importance to happiness and love. Then every young person can easily start their new life.

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Finally I would like to say that marriage is a beautiful journey of life. Instead of making this journey difficult. We should make it easy. If society promotes simplicity love and respect. And cooperation not only will the difficulties of the youth be reduced. But our families will also be stronger and happier than before. I pray that Allah Almighty grants every Muslim a good happy and blessed married life. Maintains love and harmony between all couples. And eliminates unnecessary customs show offs. And unnecessary expenses from our society. Amen.

My heartfelt thanks to the Steem4Nigeria community for organizing this beautiful competition. I hope you all like my writing. I will be waiting for your opinions. May Allah Almighty bless you all.

Thank you for being with me.

@m-princess

@steem4nigeria