Sunnah Method Of Marriage

15. Hindu Customs

Since many Muslims in South Africa and other countries hail originally from the Indo-Pak sub-continent, they have incorporated many Hindu customs in their marriages, which their forefathers practised there. A study of the rites of a Hindu marriage reveals that they are based on Vedic models laid down in Sanskrit in the Hindu laws. The marriage ritual has evolved into a complex, elaborate and expensive ceremony propagated by priests. The consideration of whom to invite, what presents to give and what to expect from others in future dealings seem prominent in a Hindu wedding.

1.) Jann (or bârât) – The Vivaha, a book for Hindus on marriage customs, spells out that on the wedding day, the groom with his friends and relatives goes to the house of the bride on a conveyance suited to his status (Jann party). In the past, elephants were recommended for the elite, nowadays they are replaced by expensive cars, horse and carriage, and in some cases, even helicopters. This is nothing but extravagance and show.

2.) Mo’harue – One elaborate ritual in Hindu marriages is the exchange of gifts. For this rite, a special occasion called Mo’harue is set aside. Special close relatives begin the process of giving presents followed by other invited guests. The object of this whole exercise is nothing but show. Islam encourages the exchanging of gifts, the objective being to solidify ties, and for mutual benefit and appreciation. In today’s weddings, a great show is made by the giver, up to the point that presents are wrapped in transparent paper and exhibited to all before giving. The recipient makes a note in his diary of what he received and from whom, so that on future occasion, he knows what to give. There is no wholehearted exchange. The occasion is rather subject to what one has received in the past or what one expects in the future. There is no barakah (blessings), as the receiver considers it a burden as he will have to reciprocate with a similar gift in future, and the giver will silently suffer until he receives a similar gift.
In some communities there prevails a culture where the presents of the bride are kept by her parents. This is justified by them on the grounds that the bride has received them because the parents had given them in the past. This is completely incorrect.

3.) Mehendi Ceremony: This ceremony is held 2 to 3 days before Nikah. The bride-to-be and close relatives apply mehendi upon their hands and legs. In most mehendi ceremonies, music is played in the background and dandiya raas, or some other form of dance is performed. The prohibition of these things has been explained above. Money is also spent in having grand feasts on this day, resulting in extravagance. Some cultures carry out Hindu customs on this day, wherein the boy’s party come in a procession with lamps in their hands. This is mere imitation of disbelievers, which cannot be tolerated in Shari’ah. Moreover, a special cream (besides the mehendi that is applied on the hands and legs) is applied on the whole body of the girl. If this is done simply to beautify herself for her husband, it will be permissible and virtuous for her to do so. However, in some cases, applying of mehendi results in the negligence of salah, as the mehendi cannot be washed off until firm. If any salah is omitted or delayed from its preferable time due to the applying of mehendi, then such applying will not be permissible.

4.) Dandiya Raas: Dandiya Raas is a type of a dance wherein the dancers hold two sticks and energetically whirl and move their feet and arms in a complicated, choreographed manner to the tune of the music with various rhythms. Its impermissibility is obvious due to the involvement of music and the intermingling of sexes. Besides being affiliated with impermissible acts, the dance itself originates from the Hindu culture. Origins of Raas are traced back to the teachings of Hinduism, wherein they mention that their “Lord Krishna” used to perform Raas Lila. The sticks used in Dandiya Raas are said to represent the swords of Durga (one of the Hindu goddesses), and Dandiya Raas is performed by Hindus at Navaratri (Hindu festival) and in Durga’s honour. Adopting practices that symbolise other religions and hold religious values could take one out of the fold of Islam. Hence, the severity of the matter cannot be ignored.