Every facet of Islam’s religion is flawless, one-of-a-kind, and beautiful. To become a complete believer and an embodiment of Islam, one must adequately practice all aspects of Islam. Similarly, just as it is necessary for the correct functioning of the physical body for all of its limbs to work in harmony, one must adhere to every component of Islam to experience the true light of Islam. The soul is the most vital human body component, even though every limb and organ serves a significant function. All elements of the human body rely on the soul to function correctly. With all of its faculties, the human body will cease to operate once the soul is eliminated. Similarly, while every component of Islam is essential, the Mubaarak Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is the heart of Islam. It’s like removing the Sunnah from a dead body without a soul.
According to the Sunnah, the auspicious occasion of nikah, the element that brings absolute delight and abundant barakah is doing the nikah. The Sunnah recommends that the nikah be performed in the same way that Nabi (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) served with the utmost modesty and simplicity.
The nikah was performed in the masjid during the golden age of Nabi (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), followed by a reception at the households. Only those who happened to be there witnessed the nikah because it was a modest and casual ceremony. There would be no elaborate plans to summon folks from all over the world to attend the nikah and reception. Nabi (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was oblivious of the nikah of those Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) who married in Madinah Munawwarah, although he was present in Mubaarak city.
A quick examination of modern nikahs demonstrates that Muslims have strayed far from the norm established by Nabi (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). The wedding celebration lasts a few days and includes a mehndi party, bridal shower, reception, girl’s party, and other typical activities. Most of these gatherings take place in a hall, hauntingly similar to opulent weddings. Mixing sexes, playing music (or, at times, playing ghazals or nazms that seem like music), photography, and video recording are just a few of the numerous wrongs that occur in such an atmosphere. The bride is sometimes led into the hall and accompanied down the aisle by her father, brother, or even non-mahram cousins so that everyone may see her. If music is not played when she walks down the aisle, nazms are usually substituted. The bride and groom may even shake hands, hug, or kiss in front of the entire crowd, following which the bride is placed on the stage for all to see. When studied closely, the concept and ambiance of such a wedding are very similar to those of a church wedding.
Another recent development is the creation of a distinct purdah or hijab zone in one part of the hall for people who are purdah-concerned (implying that true Islam has no place in the primary function and has therefore been sidelined). Furthermore, despite the entire gathering being one of wholesale immorality, the Qur’an is frequently recited on stage to give the function an Islamic flavor, thereby exhibiting severe disrespect to Allah (الله تعالى) and Deen’s words. Salah is commonly observed to be late on such occasions. Large sums of money are spent and a significant amount of work to ensure that the décor and color scheme is pleasant and appealing. The ummah has lost sight of how the nikah used to be performed in the time of Nabi (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), with its simplicity and modesty.
“The nikaah with the highest barakah is the nikaah when the least expenditure was expended,”
Hazrat ‘Aa’ishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) reports Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) stated. (Musnad Ahmad, Musnad Ahmad, Musnad Ahmad, Musna)
How can a nikah where Allah (الله تعالى) and Nabi (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) commandments are disobeyed ever bring blessings and happiness? As a result, Muslims should counsel their family and friends to keep their nikahs simple and by the Sunnah.
And Allah (الله تعالى) knows best.