Happy 51st National Day, UAE! It is such a great occasion to celebrate as the date marks the union of the seven Emirates into one country, which is renowned as the “Spirit of the Union.” From spectacular fireworks displays to ornate parades and dazzling ceremonies, it is a time when everyone gathers to share happiness, love, and respect for one another and the fantastic country of which we are proud to be a part. In honour of this auspicious day, we present to you the magnificent Arab Muslim customs that will enrich your wedding and turn it into a moment you will always remember.
The best part of the celebration is being married to the love of your life in the presence of your loved ones, who make the occasion even more special. Weddings are beautiful occasions where two hearts find their home right next to one another and two families unite to celebrate their shared faith and cultural history, all of which have significant meaning for the newlyweds. Arab Muslim weddings are extravagant occasions steeped in history and culture. While their customs vary across different Arab nations, each one of them has its charm.
Even though the precise customs vary from Lebanon to Morocco, there are some traditions that continue to be followed and are part of the magnificent history and wedding ceremonies that have been passed down through the generations. Here, you will find the most wonderful traditions that Arab Muslims usually follow at their weddings.
Tolbe
Pictures Courtesy: @abdulsamadzia & @mahasphotographyofficial
When one is in love, it is a beautiful feeling to wish to marry their soul mate. To do this, the groom formally asks the bride’s parents for their daughter’s hand in marriage. That must give you romantic shivers, no? If the families agree, then there will be a pre-wedding ritual called a tolbe, during which the couple’s loved ones will recite Surah Al-Fatiha from the Holy Quran. When both families join together for tea and delectable sweets, there is yet more to celebrate as there is laughter, good conversation, and festive cheer.
Just Engaged
Pictures Courtesy: @nkphotosofficial_nk & @zasweddingstuido
This is the season to spread joy when you know you have the best life partner by your side. Just like the sparkling engagement ring, your life will shine and dazzle so brightly. One of the most exquisite customs is Khetab, in which a couple exchanges rings while dressed to the nines and donning their exquisite rings in an exotic location. Now that you have the ring, you can scream with excitement!
Beautiful Henna
Pictures Courtesy: @muazcaughtthis & @arteamweddings
Nothing makes us happier than a well-done wedding custom, and the Arabic Muslim culture is skilled at implementing them flawlessly. A customary element of their bridal festivities includes a henna party where the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with henna before the nuptials. So the bride watches her loved one dance to her favourite Arabic songs while donning beautiful designs that give her a bridal vibe. Now, that is the enthusiasm we expect for our weddings, which makes them memorable moments.
Radwa
Pictures Courtesy: @mavikhazam & @zehrajagani
Blessings enhance contentment and happiness, so another thoughtful ritual is Radwa, which takes place at the bride’s house the day before the wedding. The men on the groom’s side here go out of their way to make sure that the celebration is a joyous affair with everything in order, making it the perfect day for the newlyweds. The ritual’s most pleasant moment happens when the oldest family member on the groom’s side showers his blessings on the newlyweds for a lifetime of happiness.
Dabke
Pictures Courtesy: @muazcaughtthis & @maribalviphotographyofficial
Dance just brightens the celebrations with more enthusiasm, love, and fun when everyone comes to flaunt their dancing skills. Well, Arab weddings are renowned for such happy celebrations, when professional dancers execute the well-known folk dance dabke while encircling all of the loved ones. While filming everyone’s lovely dancing moments, the videographers are going to have a ball!
Cake Cutting
Pictures Courtesy: @pulseproduction & @candid.image
The couple’s gorgeous multi-tiered cake is what symbolizes their love, and they cut it with a large sword that was presented to the groom by his family on his special day. Romance is the icing, and the cake represents their union. This romantic cake will add a lot of joy and excitement to your wedding and appears to come straight out of a fairytale.
Feature Image Courtesy: @patricksawaya
