Islamic marriages articles

Welcome to the largest collection of Islamic marriage and family articles on the web. We cover all Islamic family related issues, including weddings, marriage, raising children, in-laws, divorce and more. We even have some Islamic poetry and Islamic jokes.

Sites and articles are organized by topic:

* Choosing a Spouse
o Interfaith Marriages
* Weddings in Islam
* Relationship Between Husband and Wife in Islam
* Raising Muslim Children
o Pregnancy
o Welcoming and Naming A New Born Child
o Tips on Raising Children
o Adoption and Fostering of Orphans
o Medical and Health Issues
o School Issues
o Other Teen and Youth Issues
* General Muslim Marriage Topics
* General Muslim Family Topics
* Obligation to Parents
* In-Law Issues
* Articles About Muslim Matrimonial Services
* Historical Islamic Marriages
* Polygyny (Polygamy in Islam)
* Deviant Marriage Types
* Hadith Collections About Marriage
* Divorce in Islam
* Domestic Violence in Muslim Families
* Women in Islam
* Hijab Issues
* Sexual Issues from Islamic Perspective
* Reproductive Issues
* Issues Concerning the Elderly
* Inheritance in Islam, Islamic Will
* Questions and Answers by Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi
* Islamic Poetry
* Humor and Trivia
* Articles from the Western (non-Muslim) Press

Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesChoosing a Muslim Spouse

* NEW: Istikhara: The Guidance Prayer - Question Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, reprinted from SunniPath
* Can a Sunni Marry a Shi'ah? by Ayub A. Hamid
* Courtship in Islam by Huda Dodge
* Conditions of the Walee (Guardian) by Sheikh Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid
* Forced Marriages by Imam Ibn Taymiyyah
* Pointers on Choosing Marriage Partners by Rabi'ah Hakeem
* Choosing the Desired Wife by Ibrahim Abu khalid
* Questions to Ask a Prospective Marriage Partner by Huda al-Khattab
* Pleasant Companionship by Shaikh Ali Hasan al Halabee
* Preparing Muslims for Marriage by Aneesah Nadire, Soundvision
* Marriage to a Past by Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood - the issue of marrying a revert with an unIslamic past

Interfaith Marriages

* Marriage to Hindus, Buddhists, Jews and Christians by S. Abdullah Tariq, Islamic Voice
* Advice Regarding Marrying non-Muslims by Ali Al-Timimi
* Marriage between Muslims and non-Muslims by A.S. Khan
* Issues to Consider in an Inter-faith Marriage by A. S. Khan
* Marriage Outside Islam by Jamiatul Ulama (Kwazulu-Natal)

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesWeddings in Islam

* 8 General Tips for a Muslim Wedding by Samana Siddiqui
* South African Couples Draw Up Own Marriage Contracts- by Zakiyya Ismail
* Planning Your Wedding: The 10 Biggest Pre-Wedding Mistakes - from The Knot Inc.
* Marriage Ceremony in Islam: the Basics - from a handbook by ISNA
* Six wedding Dawa considerations - from DawaNet.com
* Etiquettes of Marriage and Wedding (in the pure tradition of the Prophet) - NOTE: this was previously an external link to a site which disappeared. We located the article and moved it to our own server, so if you tried to read this before and couldn't find it, it's here now. It's a very good article.
* Wedding in Islam by Mir Mohammed Assadullah
* Islamic Wedding by Moulana M. Saleem Dhorat
* The Westernized Muslim Wedding of Today by Reeaz H Paruk
* Al-Nikah by Mohammad Mazhar Husseini - a clear and simple explanation of Islamic marriage requirements.
* How To Help Muslims Get Married: Tips for Parents and Imams
* How to Have a Wedding on a Budget - by Adriane G. Berg. (Originally written for a non-Muslim site, but still excellent advice).
* The Waleemah (Wedding Feast) in Islam By Nurul Aiman
* Sunnahs of the Waleemah
* Women's Rights in the Islamic Prenuptial Agreement: Use Them or Lose Them by Rabia Mills
* Weddings: A Time to Thank Allah by Muhammad Ash-Shareef
* Muslim World Marriage Customs by Amber Rehman
* 11 Food Tips for Your Wedding - Reprinted from Soundvison

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesRelationship Between Husband and Wife in Islam

* Pearls of Wisdom: A Mother's Advice to Her Daughter - from Jamharah Khutah al-'Arab, 1/145
* Reviving Our Sense of Gheerah by Fatima Barakatullah
* The First Two Years: A Marriage Survival Guide - reprinted from Soundvision.com
* What is a Husband? - Guidelines for the Husband in Interacting with his Wife by Dr. Marwwan Al-Qaisee
* A Wife - unknown author
* 10 Tips on How to Be a Successful Husband by Muhammad AlShareef
* Marriage Relations (from Marriage in Islam by Muhammad Abdul-Rauf, Ph.D)
* Intimate Relations.
* Tips to a Better Marriage by Sr. Muntaqima A.Rashid
* How to Make Your Husband Happy by Sheikh Mohammed Abdelhaleem Hamed
* How to Make Your Wife Happy by Sheikh Mohammed Abdelhaleem Hamed
* Husband's Obligations: a short article by Jamiatul-Ulama
* Wife's Obligations: a short article by Jamiatul-Ulama
* An Islamic Perspective on Sexuality by the Muslim Women's League
* Islamic Sex Education? by M. Tufail
* Sex Roles in Muslim Families in the U.S. by Mahmoud Abu Saud
* Causes (of Marital Discord) That Can Be Traced Back to the Husband Himself or His Friends by Dr. Saalih ibn Ghaanim al-Sadlaan
* Islam's View on Domestic Violence by Dr. Jamal Badawi
* Marriage: Lack of Faith or Lack of Focus? by Hwaa Irfan
* Some Husband and Wife Issues - divorce, bathing together...
* Marriage Breakdown by Jamiat-ul-Ulama
* Fatwa: The Maximum Amount of Time a Man Can Live Away From His Wife - Reprinted from Islam Online

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesRaising Muslim Children

Pregnancy

* The Birth of a Human Being - based on the works of Harun Yahya
* Pregnancy Woes: Head-to-toe relief for the growing pains of pregnancy by Karen Miles

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Welcoming and Naming A New Born Child

* The Benefits of Breastfeeding - from Sumayyahs Garden
* Manners of Welcoming the New Born Child in Islam by Yoosuf ibn Abdullaah Al-'Areefee
* The Islamic Naming System by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
* Prohibited Names in Islam by Yoosuf ibn Abdullaah Al-'Areefee
* Praiseworthy Names.
* Naming Issues in Islam.
* The Fiqh of Naming Children (according to the Shafi`i school)
* The Naming of an "Illegitimate" Child - Question and Answer by Shaykh 'Abd-Allah ibn Jibreen
* Medical Benefits of Circumcision. - by Dr. Brian J. Morris
* Sunan Al-Fitra and Rules for Cleanliness in Islam.
* List of Muslim girls' names and their meanings.
* List of Muslim boys' names and their meanings.
* Call Them by Their Fathers' Names by Sheikh Wajdi al-Ghazzawi

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Tips on Raising Muslim Children

* A Muslim Parent by Norma Tarazi
* How to Raise a Spiritual Child - from MSN Family
* 22 Tips for Parents with Teens - from Soundvision.com
* The Woman's Role in Child Education by Mohammad Al Dweesh
* Fatherhood: A Sacrifice and a Trial by Maria Hussain
* The Agenda of Human Potential in Childhood Development: Its Implications & Challenges to Education by Mansor Hj Sukaimi
* The Positive and Negative C's of Parenting by Shahina Siddiqui
* Bonding Begins at Birth by Dr. Aisha Hamdan
* Tarbiyah During the Middle Years by Dr. Aisha Hamdan
* Nurturing Through Breast Feeding, by Mildred M. El-Amin
* Safety With Young Children, from The Miracle of Life
* Building a Child's Self-Esteem, by Mildred M. El-Amin
* Building Self-Esteem in Your Child by Dr. Aisha Hamdan
* Practical Tips for Parenting Young Children by Dr. Aisha Hamdan
* Memo From a Child to Parents, by The Message International
* 12 Tips for Childrearing, by Ibrahim Bowers
* Quality Time With Dad, by Ibrahim Bowers
* Has Your Home Become a Hotel? by Abu Atiyyah
* 8 Tips for Dealing with Your Child's Teenage Years.
* Not in Front of the Children! by Ibrahim Bowers
* The Islamic Way to Raise the Children: transcription of a speech delivered by Imam Mohamed Baianonie
* Mistakes Committed by Parents Raising Children in the West by Dr. Ahmad Shafaat
* Educating Your Children About Ramadhan By Nur Husni
* Building Character in Children by Sheikh Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid
* Encouraging Children to Pray by Maysoon Zaza
* The Mother's Role in Raising the Children by M. I. Patel
* Putting Islam into Your Child's Summer Fun by Maysoon Zaza
* The Good Shepherds: Choosing the Correct Path for Our Children by Ruqayyah bint Joan
* Have you Talked with Your Child Today? by Dr. Aisha Hamdan
* Let the Child be a Child by Mohammed Khalfan
* The Role of the Muslim Community in Raising Children in a non-Muslim Society - Khutbah delivered by Imam Mohamed Baianonie
* The Precious Moment: Teaching Children the Value of Time by Sahar Kassaimah
* Protecting Our Children from Consumerism - IslamiCity Bulletin

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New Section: Adoption and Fostering of Orphans - What Islam Says

* The Islamic View Of Adoption And Caring For Homeless Children by Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, Ph.D.

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New Section: Medical and Health Issues from Islamic Viewpoint

* Female Genital Mutilation: An Islamic Perspective by Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, Ph.D.
* Sunan Al-Fitra and Rules for Cleanliness in Islam.
* Nurturing Through Breast Feeding, by Mildred M. El-Amin
* Medical Benefits of (Male) Circumcision. - by Dr. Brian J. Morris
* Safety With Young Children, from The Miracle of Life

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School/Islamic Education Issues

* NEW: Muslim Schools: A View from the Inside by Yahiya Emerick
* My Beliefs in the Public School: Story by a 5th Grade Girl by Ayesha Ali, 5th grade, New Jersey
* Muslim Schools Vs. Public Schools
* Quranic Arabic Crisis in Muslim Schools: An Urgent Appeal by Abdul Malik Mujahid
* Making the Financial Commitment to Educate Our Children by Rafael Narbaez
* Muslims Schools in U.S. a Voice for Identity By Susan Sachs
* School Offers a Cultural Connection by Janet Goetze of the Oregonian
* The Islamic Response to the Secular Educational System by Khalid El-Gharib
* Western Education vs. Muslim Children by Khadija Anderson

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Other Muslim Teen and Youth Issues

* Parental Worries About Their Teenagers - from Ummah.com
* Proud to be a "Stranger" by Amber Rehman
* The Mindless Dating Game: Happiness or Heartbreak
* Adolescence: Turmoil or Transition by Dr. Aisha Hamdan
* Conflicting Values : Muslim Teenagers in Highschool by Karen Pryer-Salahuddin
* Youth is Strength by Ashur Shamis - a classic article about the vital role that the youth must play in establishing Islam
* Stranger Around Muslims and Non-Muslims! - The experiences of a Muslim youth, by an anonymous 16 year old Muslim, Texas
* Adjusting to University - An Islamic Perspective by Waleed Kadous
* Twelve Tips for Muslim Youth
* A Father-Daughter Tipsheet on Dealing with the High School Prom by Riaz Sayeed
* Why I Boycotted the Senior Prom by Dawud Wharnsby Ali
* Coping With Peer Pressure by Ibrahim Abu Khalid
* Preventing the Girlfriend-Boyfriend Relationship - A two-part article by Amatullah Islam
* What Every Teenager Should Know (About Sexuality) by Alia Amer
* Muslim College Life; Dating, Drinking and Deen by Huma Ahmad

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesGeneral Islamic Marriage Topics

* NEW: Should a Wife Wait for Her Husband Before She Goes to Hajj? by Sheikh Muhammad Nur `Abdullah, IslamOnline.net
* NEW: Marriage: Its Purpose and Obligation - very comprehensive article reprinted from Islamic-World.net
* NEW: The Philosophy of Marriage in Islam by Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
* NEW: Anger in the Family by Layla A. Asamarai
* Difference Between Nikah and Rukhsati (and Other Issues) by Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqui
* Marriage: the Background by Dr Mohammed Asif Chaudry
* The Message of the Qur'an: A Great Tafsir of the Current Time (Commentary on Various Marriage-Related Phrases from Surat Nisaa) By Shah Abdul Hannan
* Women: Marriage Without a Guardian: Which View is Correct? - from OurDialogue.com
* Marriage in Islam: Considered from a Legal Point of View by Dr. Ahmad Shafaat
* Marriage in Islam by Reem Sultan
* Islam and Marriage in the 21st Century by Atangana Haashim Abdu-Salaam Kamena
* The Benefits and Dangers of Marriage - from Ummah.com
* Marriage: To Wait or not to Wait, That is the Question by Baiyinah Siddeeq
* An Islamic Opinion on Matrimonial Services by Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi
* Etiquettes of Marriage and Wedding (in the pure tradition of the Prophet) by Sheikh Muhammad Naasirudden al-Albaani
* Some Points from a Question and Answer Session with Shaikh Muhammad Naasir ad-Deen al-Albaani
* Marriage in Islam by Prof. Abdur Rahman I. Doi
* Marriage in Islam by Adil Salahi.
* Frequently Asked Questions about Marriage in Islam: very comprehensive series of articles
* Merits and Disadvantages of Marriage by Imam al-Ghazali
* "Marriage", from Yusuf al-Qaradawi's al-Halal wal-Haram fil Islam.
* The Prophet's (Peace be Upon Him) Marriage to Khadijah by Dr. Ahmed El-Kadi
* Islam and Sexism by Hisham Zoubier
* The Need To Love Someone, Is it That Wrong? by Unknown Author
* Lamentations of a Muslim Wife (essay on polygamy) by Shariffa Carlo
* Who Practices Polygamy? by Mary Ali
* The Legalities of Muslim Marriages in America, by Asifa Quraishi, Esq.
* Marriage: What You Ought to Know by Dr. Mutawalli ad-Darsh
* The Muslim Home: Forty Recommendations by Sheikh Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid - very comprehensive.
* Hardening of the Heart - Introduction by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
* Hardening of the Heart - Chapter 1 by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
* Hardening of the Heart - Chapter 2 by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
* Hardening of the Heart - Chapter 3 by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
* Hardening of the Heart - Chapter 4 by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
* Homemakers Back to College by M. H. Lakdawala
* The Marriage Process in Islam by Shaad Ahmed
* Achieving a Strong Marriage Bond by Juraifa
* Marriage in Islam - a Wedding Khutbah by Bashir Lawal

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesGeneral Islamic Family Topics

* NEW: The Importance of Kinship in Islam by Khalid Baig
* NEW: Shura in the family: why we need it, how to do it by Abdul Malik Mujahid, Soundvision.com
* Family Values: Your Mother by Shaykh al-Allaamah Abd al-Azeez ibn Abd-Allah ibn Baaz
* The Family As A Cradle For Human Society - from Ummah.com
* A Good Example at Home by Imaam al-Haramain Abdul-Baaree ibn Awad Ath-Thubaytee
* The Islamic Law of Wills by Dr. Abid Hussain
* The Laws of Inheritance in Islam by Dr. Abid Hussain
* Good Manners at Home from As-Sahwah.com
* Mother: My Best Friend! by Muhammad ash-Shareef
* Dealing With Hurtful Relatives: Question and Answer by Sheikh al-Munajjid
* Role of the Family in the Spread of Islam by Professor Ismail Faruqi
* The Fall of the Family by Abdal Hakim Murad.
* Celebrating or Participating in the Holidays of the Disbelievers by Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo
* The Islamic Ruling on Participating in non-Muslim Religious Celebrations by Sheikh Saalih al-Munajjid
* Tawhidic Framework for Family Life: Reflections on Islamic Texts by Zeenath Kausar
* Community Life in Islam by Muhammad Qutb
* Islam and Family Protection by Dr. Mohammad Ali Al-Khuli
* Challenges Facing Muslim Families in North America By Wahida Chishti Valiante
* The Third Parent: The Danger of Television by Muhammad ash-Shareef
* A Letter to My Family (From an Estranged Convert) by Michelle Al-Nasr
* A Good Example at Home - a Khutbah by Sheikh Abdul Baaree' Ath-Thubaytee

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesNew Section: Obligation to Parents

* NEW: The Etiquette of Dealing With Parents from 'Etiquettes of Life in Islam' by Muhammad Yusuf Islahi
* Acts to Benefit a Deceased Person (Such as a Parent) by IslamOnline.net, from their Fatwa Bank

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesIn-Law Issues

* NEW: Peace in Our Times: Mother & Daughter-in-Law Syndrome by Saleeha Bhamjee
* NEW: Disastrous Daughter-In-Law: Resolving the Conflict Between Wives and Their In-Laws by Saleeha Bhamjee

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesArticles About Islamic Matrimonial Services

* NEW: Matchmakers in Makkah: Are You Single?
* NEW: Religious Dating Online - from PBS, the Public Broadcasting Service
* Modern Khatba? Online matchmaking is finally catering to Arabs and Muslims around the world by Gihan Shahine, from Al-Ahram Weekly
* For Muslims, Courtship Enabled by the Internet by David Cho, Washington Post
* For Muslims, Finding a Mate is a Family Matter by Vera Lawlor, New Jersey Record Online

Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesHistorical Muslim Marriages

* A Mistake Worth its Weight in Gold by Adel bin Muhammad al-Abdul'Aalee

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesPolygyny (Polygamy) in Islam

* The Second Wife by Shariffa Carlo Al Andalusia
* To My Dearest Sisters... From a Co-Wife by Siddiqua Haswarey
* Polygyny: A Blessing in Disguise by Meriem Ezzaoui

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesUnlawful Marriage Types

* NEW: Marriage in Secret: is it Valid in Islam? by Ahmad Kutty
* NEW: Is Tahleel or Halala Marriage Permissible? By IslamOnline.net and Sheikh Al-Munajjid, islam-qa.com
* Temporary Marriage (Zawaj Mut'ah) - By Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, from his book The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam
* Temporary Marriage and its Illegitimacy in Islam by Abu Ruquayyaa

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesHadith Collections About Marriage

* Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book 62: Kitab Al-Nikah (Book of Marriage)
* Sahih Muslim: Book 8, Kitab Al-Nikah
* Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 11: Kitab Al-Nikah

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesDivorce in Islam

* NEW: Divorce and Child Custody in Islam by IslamOnline.net
* NEW: Divorced While Still Virgin: Is `Iddah Required? by IslamOnline.net
* NEW: `Iddah (Waiting Period After Divorce or Death of Husband): Wisdom & Rulings by IslamOnline.net, Reprinted from their Fatwa Bank
* NEW: Laws of Divorce in Islam by Amani Aboul Fadl Farag
* Talaaq: Divorce on the Scales of Islamic Sharia'h by Bilal Abu Aisha
* Introduction to Tafseer of Surat At-Talaq by Syed Abu Al-Ala Al-Maududi
* Divorce in Islam by Reem Sultan
* Divorce in the Shari'ah - a summary of the types of divorce in Islam
* Divorce: Islamic Limits and Regulations - Reprinted from OurDialogue.com
* Some Husband and Wife Issues - Divorce, bathing together, and other issues.

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesDomestic Violence/Marital Abuses in Muslim Families

* Islam's View on Domestic Violence by Dr. Jamal Badawi
* Wife Abuse in the Muslim Community by Kamran Memon
* Twelve Tips for Imams in the West for Dealing with Domestic Violence by Soundision (www.soundvision.com).
* Authority and the Abuse of Power in Muslim Marriages by Shaykh Seraj Hendricks
* Islamic Women's Patron: Honors for the Protector of Battered Muslims - from the L.A. Times
* An Islamic Perspective on Violence Against Women by the Muslim Women's League

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OTHER ISLAMIC SUBJECTS:
Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesWomen in Islam

* NEW: Why Woman Cry - a short story
* Make Way for the Women! (Why Your Mosque Should be Woman Friendly) by Saraji Umm Zaid
* Gender Equity in Islam By: Jamal A. Badawi, Ph.D.
* The Honour Of The Woman by Dr. Nazreen Nawaz
* Why Women Are Coming to Islam - from Ad-Da'wah ilAllah
* Spiritual Role of Women in Islam - from mwlusa.org
* 19 Things Sisters can do for Islam in America - from Soundvision.com
* Equality of Men and Women in all Three Levels of Islam by Shaykh 'Abdul Rahman 'Abdul Khaliq
* Islam's Elevation of Women's Status: Transcript of a speech by Shaikh Ali Al-Timimi
* The Reawakening of the Muslim Woman by Ashur Shamis - another classic article, first published in The Muslim in 1977.
* Ibn Hazm on Nubuwwa (Prophethood) of Women.
* Women in the Qur'an and Sunnah by Professor Doi.
* Women's Liberation Through Islam by Mary and Anjum Ali.
* Women in Islam Versus Women in the Judeo-Christian Tradition by Dr. Sherif Abdel Azeem
* On the Position of Women in Islam and in Islamic Society by Dr. Hassan al-Turabi
* Women in Islam by Aicha Elshabini-Riad
* Muslim Women in Sports by Hikmat Beiruty
* Experience of a converted Hindu woman by Sister Noor
* Shattering Illusions: Western Conceptions of Muslim Women by Saimah Ashraf
* The Voice of a Woman in Islam by Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
* Economic Independence of Women in Islam by Chaudry Zuffrullah Khan
* The Role of Muslim Women in an Islamic Society - A publication of the Ikhwan Muslimeen (Muslim Brotherhood)
* Women in a Qur'anic Society by Dr. Lois Lamya' al-Faruqi
* Islamic Traditions and the Feminist Movement: Confrontation or Cooperation? by Dr. Lois Lamya' al Faruqi
* Cyber-Blessing: Arrival of information technology in India allows women professionals to work from home by M. H. Lakdawala
* How a Pearl Protects Itself: A Khutbah for the Muslim Women by Muhammad Al-Shareef
* A Woman on a Mission: Sidra Khan reports on Aisha Bhutta's bid to convert the world to Islam
* Islamic Traditions and the Feminst Movement: Confrontation or Cooperation? by Dr. Lois Lamya' al Faruqi
* Why Two Women Witnesses? - Adapted from the book by Shamshad. M. Khan with modifications by Abu 'Iyaad
* Women in Islam By Dr. Hussein Al-Hussein
* Challenges and Opportunities Facing American Muslim Women
* Women in Pre-Islamic Arabia Reprinted from mwlusa.org
* The Muslim Woman by Shariffa Carlo, reprinted from Islamzine.com
* An Interview With The Wife Of Shaheed Muhammad Yusuf Hawwaash Ad-Da'wah Magazine, Issue 109, Muharram 1422
* Muslim Women in Japan - From the Japan Times

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesHijab and Dress Issues

* Don't Look Down: Making the Decision to Wear Hejab by Shaden Mohamed
* 'Bikini Liberation' of Afghan Women by Yamin Zakaria
* Forced Integration in Singapore by Mansor Hj Sukaimi
* A Message from Istanbul: The Turkish Government's War Against Hijab by Sajjad
* An Identity Reduced to a Burka by Dr. Laila Al-Marayati and Semeen Issa
* Top Ten Excuses Of Muslim Women Who Don't Wear Hijaab And Their Obvious Weaknesses by Dr. Huwayda Ismaeel
* Anti-Hijab Discrimination in North America: Some Legal Advice
* Hijab and the Muslimah: Oppression or Liberation? by Aisha Nouh
* Converts in Kuwait: From Skirts to Abayas by Sarah McBride
* Tug of War: Decisions by a Muslim Hijabi Woman by Rasha El-Haggan
* The Question of Hijab: Suppression or Liberation by Mary C. Ali
* Hijab by Shariffa Carlo Al Andalusia
* Common Mistakes Made in the Way Men Dress In and Outside Prayer by Shaikh Mashoor Hasan Salmaan, compiled by Abu Muntasir
* The Sunnah Clothes: Imaamah (turban), Kufi (cap), Izar (loincloth) and Thawb or Qamis (long shirt) in Light of the Quran and Hadith and in the Opinions of the Great Scholars by Uthman
* The Great Virtue of Lowering the Gaze by Imaam ibn al-Qayyim
* Can Muslim Men Wear Earrings or Silk? by Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo
* A North American Hijab Experience by Ms. Naheed Mustafa

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesSexual Issues from Islamic Perspective

* For articles on sexual issues in Islam, please see our page,
Straight Talk About Sex in Islam.

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesReproductive Issues

* NEW: When Is It Permitted to Have an Abortion? by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
* Birth Control - from OurDialogue.com
* Is Abortion on Medical Grounds Permissible? - from OurDialogue.com
* Is a Vasectomy a Permissible Method of Birth Control? by Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqui
* Infertility in the Qur'an - Reprinted from the "Infertility in Islam" website

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesIssues Concerning the Elderly

* Dealing with the Elderly: An Etiquette Tipsheet by Samana Siddiqui
* The Senior Citizens of Our Ummah by Samana Siddiqui

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesIslamic Inheritance, Islamic Will

* Islamic Will in PDF Format by ISNA (Islamic Society of North America)
* The Islamic Laws of Inheritance by Dr. Abid Hussain (Recommended)

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family Articles Islamic Poetry

* NEW: What's Wrong with My Faith? - by unknown author
* NEW: My Greatest Need is You by Rabi'ah al-Adawiyya
* The Untapped Wisdom (Don't Neglect to Reflect on the Qur'an) by Dr. Yunus Aidaroos
* Side by Side - A poem about priorities, by an anonymous author
* No Longer Shackled - A poem celebrating hijaab by Abdul Malik Mujahid Ali
* What My Destiny Holds: A poem by Dr Mohammed Asif Chaudry
* Each Breath
* This is a Letter to Your Beautiful Mind by Rahat Kurd, 1997
* To a Non-Muslim Woman (a poem about hijab)

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Islamic Marriage Articles, Islamic Family ArticlesIslamic Humor and Trivia Files

* NEW: Goha in the Court of the Egg Layers
* NEW: Goha Tries to Buy a Cow (or, Goha Learns to Say Insha'Allah)
* NEW: Goha Gives a Strange Lecture
* NEW: Heard This Joke? Imam Resigns from Masjid
* Top Ten Things That Converts and Immigrants Should Not Do
By Wael Abdelgawad
* Drink Up! Some Interesting Facts About Coca-Cola
* "Yes, But You Have a Better Personality": or, How NOT to Answer Your Wife's Five Trickiest Questions.
* Hijab Causes Rickets? by Jimmy James
* Silver Linings for a Muhajjabah by Sister Hafidha

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Zawaj.com Muslim Matrimonials and More Articles from the Western (non-Muslim) Media:

* Putting Their Faith in Islam: Around 30,000 women in Switzerland have converted to Islam - by Jean-Michel Berthoud
* State Finds that Islamic Marriage Promise is Valid Contract by Jeffrey Gold, Associated Press
* Islamic Marriage Contract Upheld in New Jersey - by Jim Edwards, New Jersey Law Journal
* Prospect of Marriage Can Lead Away from Interfaith Dating by Helen T. Gray
* Speaking for Islam: Schools Have Questions About Muslims, and Bay Area Volunteers Have Answers - by Richard Scheinin, Mercury News
* Muslim Women in Spain Denounce Stereotypes - from the BBC News online
* A World Where Womanhood Reigns Supreme by Mary Walker
* Muslim Women Say They're Equal in Islam by Barbara Rodgers
* Islam's Female Converts by Priya Malhotra, Newsday.com
* Islam Unveiled - Muslim women explain their beliefs about God and faith to young, curious minds. by Angela Miller-Hood
* "Allah Came Knocking at My Heart" by Giles Whittell
* Oppression Faced by American Working Women from the Indian Express
* Muslim Women Say They Find Liberation in Modest Attire: a newspaper article from the Columbus Dispatch
* Turkish Government's War Against Hijab by Molly Moore
* Keeping the Faith: More Muslim Americans are Choosing to Home-School by Ephrat Livni, ABCNews.com
* Lessions of Inclusion (American Public School Kids Learn About Ramadhan) by Emily Wax, Washington Post
* Muslims Schools in U.S. a Voice for Identity by Susan Sachs
* Muslim Women Take Their Place at the Hajj - from CNN's Riz Khan
* School Offers a Cultural Connection by Janet Goetze of the Oregonian
* How a Posse of Women Network to Get Ahead, Islamic-Style by Isabel Schayani
* For Muslims, Finding a Mate is a Family Matter by Vera Lawlor, New Jersey Record Online

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Marriages in Islam

Islam, unlike other religions is a strong advocate of marriage. There is no place for celibacy like, for example the Roman Catholic priests and nuns. The prophet (pbuh) has said "there is no celibacy in Islam.

Marriage is a religious duty and is consequently a moral safeguard as well as a social necessity. Islam does not equal celibacy with high "taqwa" / "Iman". The prophet has also said, "Marriage is my tradition who so ever keeps away there from is not from amongst me".

Marriage acts as an outlet for sexual needs and regulate it so one does not become a slave to his/ her desires.

It is a social necessity because through marriage, families are established and the family is the fundamental unit of our society. Furthermore, marriage is the only legitimate or halal way to indulge in intimacy between a man and a woman.

Islam takes a middle of the road position to sexual relations , it neither condemns it like certain religions, nor does it allow it freely. Islam urges us to control and regulate our desires, whatever they may be so that we remain dignified and not become like animals.

The purpose of Marriage.

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The word "zawj" is used in the Qur'an to mean a pair or a mate. In general it usage refers to marriage. The general purpose of marriage is that the sexes can provide company to one another, love to one another, procreate children and live in peace and tranquility to the commandments of Allah.

* Marriage serves as a means to emotional and sexual gratification and as a means of tension reduction. It is also a form of Ibadah because it is obeying Allah and his messenger - i.e. Marriage is seen as the only possible way for the sexes to unite. One could choose to live in sin, however by choosing marriage one is displaying obedience to Allah.

Marriage is "mithaq" - a solemn covenant (agreement). It is not a matter which can be taken lightly. It should be entered into with total commitment and full knowledge of what it involves. It is not like buying a new dress where you can exchange it if you don't like it. Your partner should be your choice for life. One should be mature enough to understand the demands of marriage so that the union can be a lasting one. For a marriage to be valid certain conditions must be met.

1) consent of both parties.

2) " Mahr" a gift from the groom to his bride.

3) Witnesses- 2 male or female.

4) The marriage should be publicized, it should never be kept secret as it leads to suspicion and troubles within the community.

Is Marriage obligatory?

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According to Imams Abu Hanifah, Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Malik ibn Anas, marriage is recommendatory, however in certain individuals it becomes wajib/obligatory. Imam Shaafi'i considers it to be nafl or mubah (preferable). The general opinion is that if a person, male or female fears that if he/she does not marry they will commit fornication, then marriage becomes "wajib". If a person has strong sexual urges then it becomes "wajib" for that person to marry. Marriage should not be put off or delayed especially if one has the means to do so.

A man, however should not marry if he or she does not possess the means to maintain a wife and future family, or if he has no sex drive or if dislikes children, or if he feels marriage will seriously affect his religious obligation.

The general principle is that prophet (pbuh) enjoined up in the followers to marry.

He said "when a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion , so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half." This hadith is narrated by Anas. Islam greatly encourages marriage because it shields one from and upholds the family unit which Islam places great importance.

Selection of a partner:

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The choice of a partner should be the one with the most "taqwa" (piety). The prophet recommended the suitors see each other before going through with marriage. It is unreasonable for two people to be thrown together and be expected to relate and be intimate when they know nothing of each other. The couple are permitted to look at each other with a critical eye and not a lustful one. This ruling does not contradict the ayah which says that believing men and women should lower their gaze.

- The couple, however are not permitted to be alone in a closed room or go out together alone. As the hadith says "when a man and a woman are together alone, there is a third presence i.e. shaitan.

- There is no concept of courtship in Islam as it is practised in the west. There is no dating or living in defacto relationship or trying each other out before they commit to each other seriously. There is to be no physical relationship what so ever before marriage. The romantic notions that young people often have, have proven in most cases to be unrealistic and harmful to those involved. We only have to look at the alarming divorce rate in the west to understand this point. e.g. the couple know each other for years, are intimate, live together and so on yet somehow this does not guarantee the success of the future marriage. Romance and love simply do not equal a everlasting bond between two people.

Fact: Romance and love die out very quickly when we have to deal in the real world. The unrealistic expectations that young people have is what often contributes to the failure of their relationship.

- The west make fun of the Islamic way of marriage in particular arranged marriage, yet the irony is that statistically arranged marriages prove to be more successful and lasting than romantic types of courtship.

This is because people are blinded by the physical attraction and thus do not choose the compatible partner.

Love blinds people to potential problems in the relationship. There is an Arabic saying: which says "the mirror of love is blind, it makes zucchini into okra". Arranged marriages on the other hand, are based not on physical attraction or romantic notions but rather on critical evaluation of the compatibility of the couple.

This is why they often prove successful.

Consent of parties.

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There is a halal arranged marriage and a haram one. It is OK to arrange marriages by suggestion and recommendation as long as both parties are agreeable. The other arranged marriage is when parents choose the future spouse and the couple concerned are forced or have no choice in the matter.

One of the conditions of a valid marriage is consent of the couple.

Marriage by definition is a voluntary union of two people.

The choice of a partner by a Muslim virgin girl is subject to the approval of the father or guardian under Maliki school. This is to safeguard her welfare and interests. The prophet said "the widow and the divorced woman shall not be married until she has consented and the virgin shall not be married until her consent is obtained. The prophet did revoke the marriage of a girl who complained to him that her father had married her against her wishes.

The husband/wife relationship.

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-The wifes rights - the Husbands obligations.

(1) Maintenance

The husband is responsible for the wifes maintenance. This right is established by authority of the Qur'an and the sunnah. It is inconsequen tial whether the wife is a Muslim , non-Muslim, rich, poor, healthy or sick. A component of his role as "qawam" (leader) is to bear the financial responsibility of the family in a generous way so that his wife may be assured security and thus perform her role devotedly.

The wifes maintenance entails her right to lodging, clothing, food and general care, like medication, hospital bills etc. He must lodge her where he resides himself according to his means. The wifes lodge must be adequate so as to ensure her privacy, comfort and independence.

If a wife has been used to a maid or is unable to attend to her household duties, it is the husbands duty to provide her with a maid if he can afford to do so. The prophet is reported to have said: The best Muslim is one who is the best husband.

(2) "Mahr "

The wife is entitled to a marriage gift that is her own. This may be prompt or deferred depending on the agreement between the parties. A marriage is not valid without mahr. It does not have to be money or gold. It can be non-material like teaching her to read the Qur'an. " Mahr" is a gift from the groom to the bride. This is the Islamic law, unlike some cultures whereby the brides parents pay the future husband to marry the daughter. This practice degrades women and is contrary to the spirit of Islam. There is no specification in the Qur'an as to what or how much the Mahr has to be. It depends on the parties involved.

(3) Non-material rights.

A husband is commanded by the law of Allah to treat his wife with equity, respect her feelings and show kindness and consideration, especially if he has another wife. The prophet last sermon stresses kindness to women.

The wife obligations - the Husbands rights.

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One of the main duties of the wife is to contribute to the success and blissfulness of the marriage. She must be attentive to the comfort and wellbeing of her husband. The Qur'anic ayah which illustrates this point is:

"Our lord, grant us wives and offspring who will be the apples of our eyes and guide us to be models for the righteous"

The wife must be faithful, trustworthy and honest she must not deceive her husband by deliberately avoiding conceiving. She must not allow any other person to have access to that which is exclusively the husband right i.e. sexual intimacy. She must not receive or entertain strange males in the house without his knowledge and consent. She should not be alone with a strange male. She should not accept gifts from other men without his approval. This is meant to avoid jealousy, suspicion and gossip. The husband possessions are her trust. She may not dispose of his belongings without his permission.

A wife should make herself sexually attractive to her husband and be responsive to his advances. The wife must not refuse her husband sexually as this can lead to marital problems and worse still - tempt the man to adultery. The husband of course should take into account the wifes health and general consideration should be given.

Obedience.

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The purpose of obedience in the relationship is to keep the family unit running as smoothly as possible. The man has been given the right to be obeyed because he is the leader and not because he is superior. If a leader is not obeyed , his leadership will become invalid -Imagine a king or a teacher or a parent without the necessary authority which has been entrusted to them.

Obedience does not mean blind obedience. It is subject to conditions:

(a) It is required only if what is asked from the wife is within the permissible categories of action.

(b) It must be maintained only with regard to matters that fall under the husband rights.

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marriages

Muslim Marriage (Nikah) is a civil contract between two persons - a man and a woman for conjugal life and begetting children. It is a contract of a permanent nature, unless dissolved by divorce. It has attached to it a notion of sanctity as well, since every step in its materialisation and dissolution is guided by religious dictates.

MARRIAGE THROUGH THE AGES
Islam does not permit inter-religious marriages. Muslims used to give preference to cousins because of some considerations like - pride of lineage and notions of purity of blood; family solidarity; the prospect of the Jahez or dowry given to the daughter at the time of marriage remaining in the same family.

Family consideration is the most important factor, which is split into two categories - consideration pertaining to the bridegroom, and consideration pertaining to the bride. The groom is supposed to be qualified, hailing from status family, employed and of good nature. Whereas the bride has to be good looking, well-behaved and possess good health. She must be also trained in household management responsibilities.

MATCH MAKING
Like many other communities of the world, Muslims too give preference or priority to certain of their kin while settling marriage. Due to some socio-cultural factors "cousins" occupy a significant place in the matrimonial alliances and hence they evolved "cross cousin" and "parallel cousin" marriages, which are still popular. The most probable reason for these sort of matrimonial alliances is that siblings separated by marriage yearn to remain close to each other and hence they want their children to intermarry and give the demonstration of "sibling solidarity."

The procedure of selection of the marriage partners is considered to be the most important factor: they give every possible attention to this basic point. The match-making could be done among cousins but it is not always possible. In most cases, it is the elderly ladies of the families concerned who take the lead in the matter. They consider it their foremost duty to suggest marriage proposals for the marriageable girls and boys. Other members of the family are also on the lookout for suitable young people. The elderly ladies of the two parties, when they meet at some function or other the opportunity is availed of to discuss the possibility of an alliance. As it is a family matter and previously contemplated, both parties give authority to an elderly lady who settles a date for a talk between the families.

Another procedure is through interested friends and relatives, especially when a suitable match is not available amongst near-relations. The third procedure is by ascertaining a suitable match through servants, fruit and sweet vendors, barber's wife and the like who move among several families and are able to render service to various families.

In the present society, though the old role of the parents still prevails, under the influence of Western education more and more people consider it proper to take the consent of the young people directly or indirectly with the help of friends and cousins. Matrimonial ads and marriage bureaus are increasingly being used.

Negotiation starts after initiation through intermediaries and friends, and when concurrence has been reached in settlement , they become more and more defined and details are discussed and a day fixed for the final settlement.

It is the bridegroom's party that takes the initiative and makes the proposal for the marriage. But nowdays, the bride's party takes the initiative and makes the proposal for the marriage.

As in initiation, so in negotiations, elderly ladies, mutual friends and close relatives play prominent role. Apart from them, a unique personality known as Mushatta was accustomed to play a great role in the marriage negotiations. A Mushatta is a working woman visiting well-to-do families to help young girls to complete their toilet, etc. Because of their close associations and unchallenged access to different families and mixing with them, they used to gain close and deep knowledge of the status of the different families, the character of the individuals and their behaviour.

COSTUMES
The wedding dress for the girl includes a Sharara, which is a long following skirt and blouse. There is a dupatta to cover the head. The groom wears a Sherwani or a traditional salwar and kurta. But there are no hard and fast rules here.

RITUALS
Rituals Before Marriage
Istikhara and Imam-Zamin
Muslims complete the negotiation process with the ceremony of Istikhara. In this, it is customary to take the consent of God for concluding the negotiation matter. Here, the Mujtahid (Religious Head) obtains the consent of God with the help of a Tasbih (Rosary) and when the Istikhara is wajib (super affirmative), it is considered that the marriage between the parties should be finally settled. The mother of the boy or some other close woman relative (if the mother is dead), accompanied by her female friends and relations , pays a visit to the house of the girl with sweets and Imam Zamin to see the girl immediately after Istikhara.

The guardians of the girl accept the sweets and entertain them with refreshments. In most cases the girl is adorned and the women of the boy's family see the girl's face for the first time and the mother of the boy ties the Imam Zamin round the upper portion of he bride's right arm ( a silver or gold coin wrapped in a silken cloth). This ceremony is called the Imam Zamin ceremony.

Mangni (Betrothal)
Mangni is a popular marriage ceremony, which is fast making its presence felt at all Indian marriages. In this ceremony, the female members of the boy's family visit the house of the girl, taking with them sweets, fruits and vegetables. The sweets are distributed among the relatives and friends of the girl's family. In return sweets, fruits and vegetables are sent to the boy's house and there also sweets are distributed among the relatives and friends of the boy's family. Exchanging rings between the groom and the bride does also take place.

Manjha
Manjha is a ceremony that starts a few days before the actual Nikah ceremony. The bride wears yellow clothes and in some of the families, the bridegroom is also dressed in yellow clothes. During these days the Nawan (Barber's wife) in the case of the bride, in Nai (Barber) in the case of the groom rubs Butna (grounded mustard seeds) on the bride's and bridegroom's bodies and each in his or her own house and they take their bath daily after that. This is continued after upto the day of Nikah. The bride is confined in a separate room, which is avoided by male members who are older than her. In the case of groom, it is necessary that during Manjha he should not go out of his house, but few are able to observe this restriction. Girl friends and relatives entertain the bride with jokes and humour.

Among the Muslims, both at the residence of the bride and of the groom, women of both the sides sing to the accompaniment of the Dholak (Drum). Grinded Mehendi (Myrtle)is applied to the hands and feet of the bride of the bride before the actual marriage ceremony takes place, and in some families it is also pasted on the hands of the groom.

Manjha is sent from the bride's side and it is the first occasion when specially the women of both sides meet one another in close familiarity. The Manjha is taken out in a procession with music bands. The main articles sent on such an occasion are the yellow robes of silk satin with golden fringes and embroidery. Sweets and pindis (sugar preparations) are also sent in trays to be used by the groom to improve his health and are eaten with milk. The pindis contain varieties of dried kernels of fruit and gum shaped into round balls. They are also distributed among friends and relatives as a token of intimation of the coming marriage.

Sanchaq
Sanchaq includes jewelleries and costly clothes which are sent from the groom's house to the bride for use on the occasion of Nikah and Chowthi (another ceremony after Nikah). In Sanchaq, articles like, Nuth (nose ring), Tika (forehead ornament), Ring, Suhag Pura (make-up goods for the day of Nikah), garlands, Nuqals (a preparation of sugar), dried fruits, etc., are also included.

The procession of Sanchaq contains music bands and all sorts of articles in large pans known as Khawans covered with gorgeous wrappings, the chief being a Matki or a jar with curd in it and fish tied to the neck of this jar.

Marriage Rituals
Nikah
Invited guests and relations assemble at the bridegroom's place on the Nikah day when the groom wears the clothes received from the bride's side. Sehra (a flower veil) is tied to the groom's forehead by the brother-in-law, who in return receives some cash as a present from the elders of the family. The Parjas i.e. Barber, Sweeper, Washerman, gardener, tailor and domestic servants, etc., are given money and clothes to mark the auspicious occasion. The baarat then proceeds to the house of the bride.

Before the Nikah, dried dates, sugar and Nuqal are placed before the bridegroom. One of the Mujtahids represents the groom while the other represents the bride's side. If the settlement of the Maher has not taken place before, it is done on this occasion. The bride's Mujtahid, goes to the bride in the woman's apartment and asks her three times whether she accepts the person concerned as her husband, with the amount of Maher as settled and generally she answers in the affirmative. Then the Mujtahids from the bride's side comes and takes his seat in the assembly. Then the Mujtahids of the groom's side asks the groom three times whether he accepts the woman concerned as his wife with the amount of Maher as settled and he answers in the affirmative. After this is done the Mujtahids of the bride's side recites the Khutba (religious discourse) and then both the Mujtahids pronounce the Sigha of Nikah, and some responsible persons from amongst the audience sign on the Nikahnama (marriage deed) as the witness. Thus the Nikah is completed. Sehra (sort of poetry) is also recited in the praise of the poets in praise of the groom and his family on this occasion.

Rituals After Marriage
Arsi Mushaf
The Arsi Mushaf is the occasion when the bridegroom first sees the face of the bride in a mirror held between them. Arsi means a mirror and Mushaf means the Holyu Quran. The holy Quran is placed along with the mirror for seeking divine blessing for both. A candle is held under the shawl spread over the heads of both. The groom is also asked to write the Surat-Ikhas (a Holy verse) on the forehead of his wife with the right hand pointing finger known as Kalmey-ki-unglee.

Salami
When the Arsi Mushaf ceremony is over, the bridegroom salutes (salam) the elders and gets presents and money from them. The presents and cash are known as Salami.

Rukhsati
Before the Rukhsati, the Jahej (dowry), which generally includes clothes, ornaments, furniture, utensils, etc and in some cases cash given to the bride by her parents, as well as presents from his friends and relatives, are displayed.

Kheer Chatai
In this, the bride and groom are seated face to face and some kheer (milk pudding) is put in a plate, before them. The groom puts a spoon full of Kheer into the bride's mouth. Then comes the turn of the bride.

Runumai or Face Showing
The face showing ceremony (Runumai) takes place after the ceremony of Kheer Chatai when close relatives and female friends of the groom's family look at the bride's face and offer presents in cash or kind.

Bridal Night
A secluded room is decorated with flowers and buntings, etc., for the newly-wedded pair and the bride and groom are left in the chamber.

Walima Feast
Walima Feast is also of religious significance. The father or the guardian of the groom gives this feast at his residence generally on the next day of the marriage. Relatives, friends, acquaintances, Beradari fellows and mohalla people attend this feast.

Chowthi
It is said the first feast after marriage in the house of the bride. At this ceremony also the bride and groom sit opposite each other and a female companion of the bride, who remains under a veil, put some vegetables and fruits in the hands of the bride and then holding her wrists, throw them in the lap of the groom. He also repeats the same. This is known as Chowthi and after the bride and the groom have played, the young ones of both sides are divided in two and stop the same. Slender sticks wrapped in flowers are also used to strike each other. After the elders pronounce the command to stop, all sit down laughing, talking and enjoying jokes. The groom then receives amount in cash amounts as well as some presents.

Chalas
Chalas denote feasts for the groom and the bride, given in succession by the near relatives, chiefly from the bride's side. The uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters each invite the pair for lunch/dinner and also give presents.

CELEBRATIONS
Music & Dance
The Dominies or house-hold dancing girls dance in the Zenana (women's apartment) demand Gur-Chawal also before starting their dance. They naver sing in the assembly of men. They cut jokes at the cost of the Samdhans (female near relatives of the bride and the groom) at each other's house. On the wedding night also they recite satirical and facetious songs relating to the guests and relatives of the groom which provide good amusement to the hearers.

Cuisine
Wedding feast has fancy dishes like the welcome juice, Non-vegetarian dishes, mutton and chicken Biriyanis, Salad, Pickle, dessert, etc.

SOME STRANGE CUSTOMS
Halja
After the marriage, puris are cooked in ghee and the cost so incurred is contributed by all the relatives, friends and neighbours. The master of the family contributes the largest amount but receives the same share as given to others.
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