QUESTION:
Is it permissible for a bride or other females in the family to wear ‘Ghararas’ for a Walimah or Nikaah? Is this practice established from Hinduism or an un-Islamic tradition?
ANSWER:
The Ghararah is believed to have originated in the Mughal era when it was worn by the royal women. It was also popular during the British Raj, when it was adopted by Indian women as a symbol of their culture and heritage. The Quraan Sharif prohibits us from inclining towards the ways of the disbelievers in Surah Hood, “And do not incline towards those who do wrong for then the fire shall reach you, and you will not have any helpers (to save you) against (the punishment) of Allah and you will not be assisted (by anyone.)” [Surah Hood, Verse 113]
In conclusion, if the Ghararah is a symbol of Indian culture and heritage, then it should be discarded. Also, the Hadith Sharif states, “Verily simplicity is part of Imaan” hence we advise that simplicity is adopted on the occasion of Nikah. Undoubtedly, it is a happy occasion but this in no way means that one should spend lavishly and squander one’s wealth on exclusive clothing whilst millions in the world are suffering and starving. The queen of Jannah and beloved daughter of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, Hadrat Fatima Radiallahu Anha, was given in Nikah to Ali Radiallahu in the simplest manner. Many of our pious predecessors got their daughters married and not even a single garment was sewn for their Nikah. The simplicity adopted by them should inspire us to adopt some level of simplicity in our marriages as well.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
Date: 16 Safr 1446 / 21 August 2024
