Islamic Teachings on Ideal Family Life — Page 27
~ 27 ~ (D ā r Qu n ī , Kit ā bun-Nik āḥ ) A ḥ madiyya Muslim Community USA Guidelines for Wedding Ceremonies Wedding is a very personal, happy, emotional, memorable and once in a lifetime experience for families and friends. It consists of mostly private family functions as well as public functions. Various wedding ceremonies are a reflection of a community’s morals, traditions and cultures. A typical A ḥ madi Muslim wedding should be a reflection of our community’s sincere adherence to true Isl ā mic principles and practice of modesty (moderation, simplicity and parda). As such, it is expected that the following guidelines will help in the planning and setup of proper A ḥ madiyya Muslim wedding ceremonies. 1. There should be a conspicuous separation of men and women when non-family participants are in attendance. 2. If women of a guest family prefer to stay with their male family members or companions during these ceremonies, they may do so in the men’s section/side. 3. There should be no still/video photography in the women’s section/side until the non-family guests have departed. 4. The bridegroom and his party should not go to the women’s side until the non-family Ahmad ī guests have departed. 5. During various wedding ceremonies, men should not go to women's side. The women, however, may entertain themselves through dignified, clean and wholesome activities, like singing poems, etc. Dancing