There are many books on the Islamic religion and many
more on the institution of marriage. Sheikh Muhammed Karakunnu wrote a
book in Malayalam where he combined the two. It is this book on
matrimony which K.M. Muhammed has translated into Tamil. It is more or
less a textbook with instructions on the various aspects of marriage
based on the tenets of Islam and Hadees (sayings of the Prophet).
Quoting
heavily from the Holy Book, the author exhorts youth to get married. He
deals with the pitfalls of bachelorhood in the second chapter where he
cautions those who are not married, to observe fasts to resist evil
thoughts and temptation. Marriage is aimed to regulate human life, he
believes.
From choosing the bride to the rituals, the
writer says that if a man intends to marry a woman after having
conducted enquiries, he may take a look at her preferably without her
knowledge. This is because in the event of his not liking her, her
feelings should not be hurt. He cannot meet her alone. Most of the
Islamic scholars opine that he can look only at her face and forearm.
It
is the girl who has to decide on her alliance, and her consent for
marriage is imperative. If however the marriage takes place without her
consent, she has the right to cancel it.
Solemnising
a Muslim marriage is simple. Of the two parties, one expresses consent
and satisfaction for the alliance known as ‘Ejab’ while the other
party conveys acceptance or ‘Khabool’. In the presence of two
witnesses, the bride’s father or guardian gives away the girl. Once the
groom conveys his acceptance, the marriage agreement stands completed.
Supplication for the well-being of the newly weds follows and then the
feast.
Explaining the concept of Meher, the author says it is gift to the
bride from the groom and a portion of it should be paid at the time of
the Nikkah (marriage). Islam prohibits wasteful expenditure during
weddings.
The content is packaged in good prose and
coherent language that is practical and contemporary. There is a sense
of purpose and passion throughout, and the book is a comprehensive and
exhaustive study.
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