The Muslim religion is the second largest in the world and was
founded by the prophet Muhammad. Many of the followers of Islam are
residing in India. The religion has its emphasis on the community more
than the practice and is also a guide to the principles of political,
economic and social life. The word Islam means "surrender", so all
Muslims are expected to surrender completely to the will of Allah, the
supreme God, whose provisions are found in the Koran (Islamic sacred
scriptures). So, absolutely everything intervening in the spiritual and
earthly life is established in the Koran, including, of course, the
rules that guide the family and Muslim matrimony.
Marriage is
considered a sacred union as defined by Islamic law, and contrary to
popular belief, monogamy is a common practice in the Muslim Matrimony.
Women have primary rights on their home and their sons and husbands are
obligated to protect and fulfill their basic necessities. For this
reason, the ceremony itself is a private, civil and religious contract,
which takes place in the mosque (Muslim shrine) and is registered in the
registry office as well. The agreement set out in that contract of the
Muslim matrimony should be discussed in advance by the bridegroom to be
and the closest male relative of the bride to be. The closest male
relative may not necessarily be her father. The bride must have consent
to the marriage alliance.
