Q: What is the legal ruling on wedding parties in which the groom walks to his bride in a procession of women. After that the bride and groom sit on their bridal throne which is called Minasah where strange women can see him and he can see them in their adornment. Is it permissible to make this bridal throne? If it is a common habit that women go to wedding and participate in playing the Duff (a tambourine-like instrument without bells) to announce marriage, how should the men who have a sense of honor allow their wives to look at the groom who is Ajnaby (men lawful for the woman to marry) to them when he goes to sit on the bridal throne, especially that according to the customs, he has to sit there? What should the Ajnaby (woman lawful for the man to marry) woman do at that moment? (Part No. 19; Page No. 120) I hope your Eminence will explain the ruling on this and guide us to do what is right through a written Fatwa to be read by everyone so they may know what is right with regards to their religion, morals and customs.

A: It is not permissible for the groom to sit beside the bride in front of women attending the wedding ceremony where they can look at him and he can look at them in their adornment. In fact, this is an abominable act which should be disapproved of. It is the duty of the guardians of the bride and groom and the guardians of the women attending the wedding ceremony to break this habit. Each one has to prevent those in his charge from participating in this habit. It is also the duty of the ruler, scholars and authorities such as the Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (CPVPV), each according to his authority, to force people to get rid of this unlawful habit and the use of drums and other unlawful practices used in wedding ceremonies. May Allah help us all do what pleases Him, help us avoid overt and covert abominable acts and guide us all to what is right! May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.