Conducting the Nikaah According to the Sunnah

On one occasion, a certain person arranged for the nikaah of his daughter to be performed in the musjid after Asr salaah. After the nikaah, some dates were distributed. The groom was dressed in simple and presentable attire, even though the clothing he wore was not new. Likewise, I observed many other nikaahs that were also conducted with simplicity. In one nikaah, the groom arrived at the musjid wearing the clothing which he normally wore when leaving for work, yet everyone felt pleased with the level of simplicity they had seen in him.

Observing these nikaahs, Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) mentioned, “The nikaah of my brother, Mazhar, was also conducted with great simplicity. On that occasion, even the elderly women remarked, ‘Although there are no elaborate preparations made to create extra beauty in this nikaah, we can perceive an extraordinary noor and beauty in our hearts.’”

Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) then said, “When the nikaah is conducted in accordance to the Sunnah, with simplicity, then how can it not possess noor and beauty? One should remember that the nikaah which is conducted without any formalities, and with ease and simplicity, conforms to the Sunnah, and it is to the extent that the nikaah conforms to the Sunnah that noor will be perceived in the hearts.

The reason is that when the nikaah is performed according to the Sunnah, in a simple and easy manner (without formalities), then there are generally no arguments and quarrels that take place. Hence, the hearts perceive a great level of peace and tranquility. On the contrary, when the nikaah is made into an elaborate affair, then (on account of the difficulty in carrying out the elaborate preparations and trying to satisfy everyone,) arguments and fights break out. This undoubtedly impacts negatively on the hearts, creating ill feelings and darkness in the hearts.”

(Malfoozaat Husn-ul-Azeez pg. 457)