Covid Weddings by Shabnam Nazeer

Getting married pre-covid was an extravagant affair. Anything from 50 – 1500 guests would be attending. With numerous venues, menus, outfits, décor etc to meticulously plan whilst managing family expectations on both ends. The two people on their special day spent little time with guests given that a swarm of photographers spent most of the day attempting to capture that all important shot against an adorned 8ft flower wall. Leaving all involved feeling drained both emotionally and financially and secretly happy that the ‘wedding’ part is over and the marriage can begin.

Modern day weddings have always been about showing off how much money we are willing to spend with families and the couple often landing themselves in debt to appease ever changing societal standards. Pre covid, culture seemed to have more importance over the sunnah and couples often found themselves agreeing to ceremonies and traditions that were pitched as a religious obligation but in fact cultural as the divide between the two has become non existent and muddled. 

With strict restrictions now in place in an attempt to stem the spread of the virus the rise of the simple yet beautiful wedding has emerged. Given the small number of people now able to attend a wedding there is no longer a need for all the money or showmanship. Weddings are beginning to feel more rooted to religion rather than culture and with the significant decrease in guests attending the weddings are being held at home. 

According to our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAWS teachings there are only three factors which are important when a wedding takes place.

1: The marriage contract {also known as the Nikkah or Aqid)

2: The Walimah ( publicising the marriage by feeding people)

3: The Mahr (the dowry that a man must give to his wife)

All three components are present and fulfilled when having a home wedding in the current climate and the biggest bonus is that you are only surrounded by the people who are closest to you. A simple wedding allows the couple and their families to focus on what is important. The beginning of a lifelong bond filled with love and trust not dissimilar to weddings in the time of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAWS. 

With the help of social media you are able to share your special day without emptying your bank account and the pressure and nerves can be focused back on to the big life changing event that is marriage and the person you are choosing to spend the rest of your life with. 

The pandemic has bought along many struggles but in the case of getting married it has definitely been a blessing from Allah.