Muslim Festivals and Ceremonies — Page 50
This sermon in Arabic was used by the Holy Prophet of Islam on such occasions. It may be followed by an exhortation in which the Imam explains the sanctity of the institution of marriage in Islam and the duties and responsibilites of husband and wife. After the sermon the Imam announces the marriage by naming the parties. . As marriage in Islam is a contract between a man and a woman to whose marriage there is no legal bar, the consent of the bridegroom as well as the consent of the bride and her guardian are essential. The Imam, therefore, addresses the guardian of the bride and asks him to announce publicly whether he agrees to the marriage of his daughter, or the girl of whom he is guardian, to the bridegroom. After his declaration, the Imam addresses the bridegroom and asks him to announce similarly his consent to marry the named girl. The bride's free consent is usually obtained before the proceeding either directly or indirectly. Generally a written contract is made out by the bride, her father or guardian and the bridegroom and is signed by two witnesses. A dower (settlement by the husband on the wife) which is fixed before the ceremony is also declared. The ceremony ends with a silent prayer led by the Imam, after which greetings are exchanged. Dried dates and other sweets are usually distributed among those present on such occasions. 50 50