The Nikah Ceremony is an Islamic or Muslim wedding ceremony where the marriage contract is signed. I have photographed many of these types of ceremonies over the years. My examples of some of these ceremonies are down below.
The groom or his representative proposes to the bride in front of at least two witnesses, stating the details of the meher. The bride and groom demonstrate their free will by repeating the word qabul (“I accept,” in Arabic) three times. Then the couple and two male witnesses sign the contract, making the marriage legal according to civil and religious law.
Following traditional Islamic customs, the bride and groom may share a piece of sweet fruit, such as a date. If men and women are separated for the ceremony, a male representative called a wali acts on the bride’s behalf during the nikah.
I photograph a lot of Nikah ceremonies at the Manitoba Islamic Association which is the biggest Mosque in Winnipeg.
When I photograph a Nikah ceremony I always try to be respectful as I can. Knowing the rules of the Mosque or venue is very important. Just when I photograph an Indian ceremony I make sure I’m not interfering or being disrespectful.
The only requirement for Islamic weddings is the signing of a marriage contract. Most marriages are not held in mosques, and men and women remain separate during the ceremony and reception. Since Islam sanctions no official clergy, any Muslim who understands Islamic tradition can officiate a wedding. If you are having your wedding in a mosque, many have marriage officers, called qazi or madhun, who can oversee the marriage.
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