Welcome to Ahmadiyyat, The True Islam — Page 427
− Nikah The marriage ceremony ( ) is performed by a lawful Islamic − − authority, perhaps a missionary or the President of the The Jama'at. − procedure of the religious ceremony itself is simple. Once the forms Nikah − are filled out and signed by the authorized persons as directed in the Nikah − form, and the is publicly announced and witnessed, the contract is Nikah − legal. The person officiating recites the sermon which was recited Nikah − by the Holy Prophet and asks for the consent of both parties. This is sa followed by prayer. Couples must get a legal marriage license and whatever else is required by the law of the land. In some US states, the law requires that the person performing the Nikah must be civilly licensed. If so qualified his − solemnizing of the rituals is sufficient to legalize the marriage. If he is not licensed, the couple must precede their religion ceremony with civil ceremony, usually performed by the City Hall. The guardian of the bride should ensure that these steps are followed so that the bride's rights as a wife are legally and civilly protected. Walima − After the marriage has been solemnized, the bridegroom gives a reception which is called To give a reception Walima. − (Walima) Sunnah is a of the Holy Prophet , and it is required that sa − the poor and orphans are also invited to the reception. As far as the reception feasts and other related expressions of joy are concerned, the rich are very firmly warned that any feast to which the poor have not been invited is cursed in the sight of God. Thus, amongst the most well dressed richest members of the society, one finds the most poorly dressed poor people mixing freely with the rich. 427