Marriage Ceremonies in Islamic Tradition: A Comparative Study between the Early Islamic Era (from the Prophetic time – 40 AH/610-661 AD) and the Mamluk Era (648-923 AH/1250-1517 AD): Hijaz as a Model

Abstract

Allah established marriage as a Sunnah (mode of life) for the progeny of Adam (AS), making it the righteous means for the continuation of humanity. This sacred bond enables mankind to fulfill their purpose of populating and cultivating the earth. Islamic law has defined marriage with clear guidelines to organize the relationship between men and women within a framework of love and compassion. Marriage serves to discipline human desires, preventing them from being misused in forbidden ways, and elevating them above the unrestricted instincts of animals. Marriage is associated with specific ceremonies and rituals. As social phenomena, these practices have evolved and changed with the development of human societies. Therefore, this research titled“Marriage Ceremonies in Islamic Tradition: A Comparative Study Between the Early Islamic Era and the Mamluk Era”. The study is structured into three main sections, preceded by an introduction. A comparison is made between the marriage ceremonies in the two historical periods (Early Islamic and Mamluk). Section one discusses the engagement (khitbah) in the Early Islamic and Mamluk eras, section two examines the marriage contract (nikah) in the Early Islamic and Mamluk eras, and section three sheds light on the declaration of marriage and its celebration in the Early Islamic and Mamluk eras. The study concludes with a summary of the most significant findings, followed by a list of sources and references.