The second day of the wedding is the most important day, although not the most celebrative, usually. This is the one event from which any other celebration might be derived, and it is prescribed in the Qur’an. It is called the Nikah, which is the day nuptial agreements are finalized and signed. The nikah is itself a contract the groom and bride decide upon, according to the conditions of their design. A vital component of the nikah is the mahr, which is essentially the gift the groom intends to give to the bride should he divorce her or should an unfortunate circumstance leave her without means for support. It is the bride’s Qur’anic entitlement. Sometimes this gift is paid up front. Partial payment might also be made, but the couple can also agree that the groom can promise it.  

Muslims believe it is more meritorious for the nikah ceremony to take place at the mosque, where the cleric will also deliver a prescribed marriage sermon. Nevertheless, families regularly host the ceremony at a wedding hall or the bride or groom’s home. 

The bride and groom must not see each other before the nikah is signed. They remain in separate quarters: the bride with other female family members , and the groom with other male family members. The Muslim cleric goes first to the groom and reads the nikah statement to him and the male family members present. If the nikah is agreed upon, the groom repeats a verbal vow and signs the document. Then the cleric takes the nikah to the bride and her cohorts, where prior to signing it she listens to its reading and expresses agreement by pronouncing a verbal vow. At each signing of the nikah all those present recite the Muslim creed.

Guests do not generally witness this signing of the agreements, but they will celebrate with a meal that happens once the nikah formalities have taken place. It is always well-attended. This is considered the actual wedding day, so the finery flows. The bride and groom are both exquisitely outfitted. It’s the night when the groom wears wardrobe provided by the bride’s family, and the bride wears special gifts given to her by the groom’s family. The vibrant colors and the meticulously ornamented fabrics contribute indispensable flair to the celebration’s atmosphere. Formally attired guests take advantage of this special opportunity to greet and be photographed with the bride and groom, and to give them gifts.