Sermon
The assembly of nikah is addressed with a marriage
sermon (khutba-tun-nikah) by the Muslim officiating
the marriage. In marriage societies, customarily,
a state appointed Muslim judge (Qadi) officiates the
nikah ceremony and keeps the record of the marriage
contract. However any trust worthy practicing Muslim
can conduct the nikah ceremony, as Islam does not
advocate priesthood. The documents of marriage contract/certificate
are filed with the mosque (masjid) and local government
for record.
Prophet Muhammad (S) made it his tradition (sunnah)
to have marriage sermon delivered in the assembly
to solemnize the marriage. The sermon invites the
bride and the groom, as well as the participating
guests in the assembly to a life of piety, mutual
love, kindness, and social responsibility.
The Khutbah-tun-Nikah begins with the praise of Allah.
His help and guidance is sought. The Muslim confession
of faith that 'There is none worthy of worship except
Allah and Muhammad is His servant and messenger"
is declared. The three Quranic verses (Quran 4:1,
3:102, 33:70-71) and one Prophetic saying (hadith)
form the main text of the marriage. This hadith is:
'By Allah! Among all of you I am the most God-fearing,
and among you all, I am the supermost to save myself
from the wrath of Allah, yet my state is that I observe
prayer and sleep too. I observe fast and suspend observing
them; I marry woman also. And he who turns away from
my Sunnah has no relation with me". (Bukhari)
The Muslim officiating the marriage ceremony concludes
the ceremony with prayer (Dua) for bride, groom, their
respective families, the local Muslim community, and
the Muslim community at large (Ummah)
Marriage (nikah) is considered as an act of worship
(ibadah). It is virtuous to conduct it in a Mosque
keeping the ceremony simple. The marriage ceremony
is a social as well as a religious activity. Islam
advocates simplicity in ceremonies and celebrations.
Prophet Muhammad (S) considered simple weddings the
best weddings:
'The best wedding is that upon which the least trouble
and expense is bestowed". (Mishkat)
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