Islamic weddings come with distinct cultures, ceremonies, and a background rich in meaning and romance. Two of the most notable celebrations in an Islamic wedding are the Nikah and the Walima. Regardless, both practices are distinctive regarding the course of the marriage, their cultures, and their significance. Learning the critical difference between Nikah vs Walima will enable you to appreciate Islamic wedding traditions better.
In this post, we will look at how Nikah and Walima differ from each other and their importance, and we will suggest wedding gifts that are perfect for the occasion. This is an informative guide for brides, grooms, or guests as it addresses what they need to make these celebratory moments and the special ones worth looking forward to.
What is a Nikah?
Nikah is the first and most important ceremony in a Muslim marriage. This is the essence of the lifelong union— a written spiritual and legal agreement between a bride and a husband per the Islamic Laws.
Key Elements of the Nikah Ceremony:
Proposal and Acceptance
Arguably, the most essential aspect of the Nikah procedure is the verbal Urdu offer (Ijab) by the groom and the acceptance (Qubool) by the bride. This contract is performed in front of witnesses, hence finalizing the union.
Mehr (Dowry)
The bride also receives Mehr, which the groom must provide as a form of commitment and duty. This amount or term in Islam considers “the amount of money fixed by one’s husband on marriage and paid by him as a load to her” “It may be in cash, jewellery, property or any valuable which has been agreed upon from both.
Signing Nikah Contract
After both parties have agreed verbally, the Nikah Certificate and witnesses are signed by the two parties, thus completing the union.
Recitation of Quranic Verses
Among the many items constituting Nikah is the Quranic verse recitation wherein Allah is requested to bless the newlywed couple with His divine grace.
Note:
The Nikah usually includes only a few essential participants: the bride and the groom, their families, a few witnesses, and an officiant. It is generally performed at a mosque, in the house, or at a preferable wedding venue.
What is a Walima?
The Walima is a wedding reception that hosts the groom’s family. It is a festive occasion that comes after the nikah shaadi and is a way of publicly announcing the marriage.
Key Elements of the Walima
Celebration of the Union
The Walima is marked by joy, food, dancing, and socialization. This is a perfect moment for the newlyweds to share their happiness with relatives, friends and others.
Sunnah Tradition
The Walima is not just a custom of the people but a sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is a method of giving thanks for the marriage and sharing happiness with others.
Grand Feast
Since giving a great feast is the first step in the Walima, this occasion is also marked by a feast. These include meat dishes, biryani, desserts, and other delicacies.
Large Gathering
Unlike the Nikah, which is primarily private, the Walima is usually a public affair, and most family, friends, and society members are invited.
Note:
The Walima is often the next day or two after the Nikah, and on some occasions, it can be held after a particular time for cultural reasons or the couple’s convenience.
Nikah vs Walima: The Key Differences
Considering all that we have discussed about each of the individual ceremonies, we might want to analyze the differences that exist between Nikah vs Walima:
Purpose
Nikah is the written contract that formalizes the beginning of the marriage, whereas Walima is the feast hosted to rejoice in this togetherness.
The Nikah is a sacred and legal union between spouses, whereas Walima is treated as a declaration and a feast to announce the marriage.
Timing
The Nikah has to come first as the wedding ceremony customarily takes place before any other related rituals, whereas the Walima is conducted after the ceremony known as the Nikah. This event is usually within a week of the Nikah but might have to be postponed due to logistical issues.
Host
While the bride may live with the groom, the bride’s guardians will host the Nikah, but in the case of a Walima, the groom and his family welcome them.
Scale of event
Nikah is usually a private function with family witnesses and friends; however, Walima is a grand function that extends to a larger audience, including elders and the entire family, friends, and neighbors.
Traditions and Customs
Nikah is more about the religious ceremonies of the Ijab, Qubool, and signing the Nikah Certificate. In contrast, the Walima is more about enjoyment, which includes feasting, music, and social gatherings.
Note:
When one understands these distinctions, the significance of both ceremonies in the Muslim marriage may be more appreciated. It also assists persons in preparing or participating in such occasions for the first time, thereby reducing anxiety and offering great anticipation.
Wedding Gifts for Nikah vs Walima
Before going to Nikah or Walima, arriving at the ceremony with a wedding gift is always considerate, as this undoubtedly strengthens the couple’s joy. ! Nevertheless, a couple always appreciates a wedding gift because it makes them happier. After all, they are newlyweds. Below are a few examples of beautiful gifts that you may want to suggest for the two occasions:
1. Personalized Nikah Frames
A stylishly designed Nikkah Frame makes an excellent gift for the Nikah ceremony. Such a frame can have words of the couple, such as their names or the wedding date, or even have some Quranic verses inscribed, giving it a more personal touch and an item to return to for the couple.
2. Elegant Nikah Certificates
An Elegant Nikah Certificate has its beauty and significance. These certificates come in beautiful styles and sometimes have names, making the certificate not just a legal document but a significant object. They serve as lovely gifts for the Nikah ceremony.
3. Decorative Nikah Trays
While signing the Nikah Certificate, the Nikah Tray is used to present relevant wedding items like rings and pens and for the ceremony itself. It is practical to give a beautifully designed Nikah Tray as a gift. It can indeed be a thoughtful gift that doesn’t only save the purpose but adds some beauty to the event.
4. Nikah Pens
A Nikah Certificate signing pen is a nice present, particularly if it has the names of the couple engraved on it. This is one of those finer details in a wedding ceremony that most people do not consider, but quite a few will never forget.
5. Prayer Mats
Very nice quality prayer mats are also an ideal gift for Nikah vs Walima. It is a gift that can never go out of fashion as it shows the path the spouses or couples take together according to their beliefs or religion.
6. Islamic Calligraphy Art
Islamic calligraphy with some verses in the Quran or the 99 names of Allah can be a perfect gift for new couples. Decorating the couple’s new house with a nice touch ensures they remain in touch with their religion.
7. Nikah Dupattas
The dupatta is a traditional and beautifully embroidered piece of clothing that parents give the bride during the wedding. This is a beautiful addition to the event and can be handed down as a family heirloom.
8. Gift Baskets
Nikah vs Walima gift baskets may be well-thought-out presents containing luxury chocolates, scented candles, prayer beads, or Islamic books. In addition, the gift basket can be personalized by adding a Nikah Pen or a Nikah Booklet, thus making it more special.
Note:
These presents are a great way to compliment the couple during the Nikah vs Walima ceremonies and, at the same time, remind the couple of their love and appreciation for one another. Beezle Store has different types of gifts that these couples or guests are looking for, and they can be customized to match the preferences of both traditional and modern styles.
Conclusion: Rejoicing Both Nikah vs Walima
The Nikah vs Walima ceremonies, although different in several aspects- their purpose, time, and traditions- are significant components of the Islamic wedding. Nikah is the beginning of a married relationship, and Walima is the get-together of relatives and friends to begin this relationship. Appreciation for the differences in Nikah vs Walima brings about the need to respect the customs and enhance the enjoyment of the two occasions.
Visit the Beezle Store!
Gift ideas for Nikah or those that guests will attend vary. Therefore, ideas should be sourced for gifting purposes from possessing enough knowledge about the Nikah. At Beezle Store, you’ll find Nikkah Frames, Nikah Pens, and everything from Nikah Dupattas to Nikah Trays, all beautifully crafted to make these special moments even more unique.
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Buy Wedding Gift Items from the Beezle Store and make the next Nikah or Walima ceremony you attend a memorable one.