The Beginning
The large majority of the Rohingyas are Muslims and in Islam arranged marriage is preferable. The Rohingya parents takes the responsibility to find suitable partners for their children when they are eligible to get married.
Unlike the Muslim tradition, brides and grooms are not allowed to have a meeting or conversation before marriage. Before tying the knot, both families consider having a thorough look to “Family lines, personality, education, beauty, education and religious practices.”
Before setting up for the big day, first, the couple must go through “Engagement Ceremony.” The Engagement usually hosted by the bride’s side where the groom’s family are treated with a lavish tea party or feast for lunch or dinner. The groom’s side blesses the going-to-be-bride with a gold ring or a gold chain or anything that is made of gold in front of the guests.
Sometimes, disagreement from any party can cancel the engagement ceremony. In this case, if the Grooms cancels it, they must bear expenses of the engagement ceremony also they cannot claim for the gold jewelry given as a gift to the bride. If the Brides cancels it, they must return the gold jewelry to the Groom’s side.
During the ceremony, “mohar” and “salami” are being decided. Mohar is a compulsory payment by the bridegroom in terms of jewelry or money which is fixed on mutual agreement by the parents of both sides. In Islamic law, it is mandatory and a must; but one cannot claim for excessive mohar.
The other term, “salami” also known as dowry which is decided by both families. It can be cash, furniture, motorcycle, or anything that Grooms side wishes for.
Finally, both families decide where the marriage ceremony will be held, sets the date, and makes a guest list. The bride’s family will bear all the expenses of the wedding ceremony. The reception dinner is usually held by the family of bridegroom.
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