Muslim marriage unlike in the olden days is now tending towards being more of a social event like every other religion.
Nikkah is the matrimonial contract between Muslim bride and groom within Islam.
It is said that once a boy and a girl meet and are pleased with each other they proceed to seek the consent of their parents or guardian and thereafter the groom proceeds to perform the rites.

STEP 1:

The bridegroom with father or uncle approaches the bride’s family or guardian after which the father of the bride asks groom-to-be of his background {of which it is compulsory Muslims marry Muslims}.

STEP 2:

The groom-to-be proposes a date and if approved, he needs to provide the following:

•    Negotiation of dowry from N50,000 below
•    3 English wax
•    3 Holland’s
•    8 Nigerian wax
The above-mentioned would vary from one state to another.

Note that it is the groom’s immediate family, like dad or uncle sponsors the dowry.

STEP 3:

Provide Traditional list (it depends on the village) –Kaduna’s list comprise of the following:

•    5 cartons of biscuit
•    5 cartons of soap
•    5 bottles of perfume
•    1 wrap of kola nut
•    1 packet of sweets called ‘mitai’
•    1 packet of chewing gum
•    Extra N5,000/N10,000 for the Imam or officiating Muslim spiritual leader to pray for the bride
•    N2,000 for the woman to bath the bride
•    N1,500 to the aunty or guardian
•    Another N1, 500 to the bride’s grandmother (dead or alive).

The above list was specifically provided from the Kaduna people. 

Once the above has been fulfilled, the couple would go to the registry to officially swear an oath, which would legalize the union under the state and Federal Law.

It is assumed that with the marriage registry the husband cannot marry another wife, until after the death of the first wife or a divorce occurs.

The final stage is the NIKKAH proper and though it is not fixed compulsorily on Saturdays, somehow Saturday has become the ideal day for all weddings including the NIKKAH.

On the day of the Nikkah these formalities take place –
•    The consent of the couple to wed
•    The presentation of the ‘Mahr’ to the bride called for protection of rights
•    The approval of the brides guardian called ‘Wali’
•    The presence of the two Muslim witnesses
All these processes at the Nikkah are overseen by a religious leader Alfa or Imam presiding over a mosque. After the Nikkah, the couple would host their family and friends to a marriage banquet called ‘Walima’, by choice.

Some facts about the Muslim marriage are –

1.    Divorce is allowed
2.    Any marriage carried out unofficially is called ’Nikkah Urfi’
3.    Polygamy is seen as part of their custom. 

4. You are not allowed to marry more than 4 wives.
 
Expenses in all steps leading to marriage should not be a burden. Big cars, fancy wedding costumes, big parties, expensive hotels or halls, all such expenses should be avoided.

But at the same time, it should not be a dull and gloomy occasion. It is an occasion of great joy and happiness and should be celebrated as such.

The most important is the walima the dinner party where relatives, friends and acquaintances come to share the joy of the occasion, to give thanks to Allah and to entertain needy people within the community in a moderate and inexpensive manner.

   *   WEDDING FUN FACTS AND TRIVIA: Hindu and Muslim brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye   *