Shaadi, The Blessing or Burden?


Marriage in Pakistan is a legal union between a man and a woman. Culturally, it signifies not only a connection between the spouses but also an alliance between their families. As about 97% of Pakistan's population is Muslim, Islamic law (Sharia) is commonly observed.

In recent years, Muslims in the modern world have incorporated Indian and British marriage traditions. The celebrations surrounding this occasion are akin to Eid for the respective families of the bride and groom.

Typically, these weddings involve various festivities like a Marriage Proposal, Engagement, Date Fixing, Dholak Days/Weekends, Mayoon, Mehendi, Sehra Bandhi, Nikah, Rukhsati (Baraat), Maklawa, concluding with a Walima Reception Ceremony. Post-celebration, arrangements are made for the honeymoon trip, often to the northern areas of Pakistan or abroad for affluent families.

These joyous events spread happiness throughout the family, reflecting the love, unity, and blessings of elders. However, pre-wedding expenses, including lavish dresses, jewelry, home necessities, and other items, vary based on the families' financial status. There's a trend of extravagance, with families sometimes competing to showcase their wealth.

The period before the wedding is referred to as "Shadi wala Gher" due to ongoing preparations. Unfortunately, for some families, these festivities become a burden if they can't afford the expenses. Cultural norms sometimes force families to bear the costs, leading to stress and financial strain.

While it's now customary to showcase wedding expenses, regardless of affordability, this trend has made it challenging for families to decide on marriage. Dowry (Jahez) is a significant expense for the bride's family, including furniture, appliances, and more. Groom's families also have financial obligations, such as Haq Maher and purchasing jewelry.

Given the financial challenges faced by over 80% of Pakistan's population earning below PKR 100,000/month, there's a call to reconsider these extravagant practices. Redirecting funds spent on weddings to help less fortunate families could contribute to controlling crime rates and supporting early marriages, as per Shariah.

Encouraging a shift towards Shariah-compliant practices in celebrations, Haq Maher, and Dowry (Jahez) could lead to happier marriages without the burden of loans and financial stress.

Author

Sajid M.Qureshi

Email: sajid.mq@outlook.com
Blogs: https://sajidmq.blogspot.com
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/sajidmq

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