“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought”        - Translation from The Quran 30-21

    Four long nights of celebrations, traditions, prayers and every bright color imaginable solidified the marriage of Kehkashan Fatima Sajanlal and Mohammed Azhar Mahdi. 

   The first two of these nights involved the bridal Mehndi ceremonies and celebrations. Mehndi is a deep seeded tradition in Indian and Pakistani life and holds even more significance on the nights before a couple is officially married. Kehkashan sat still for almost five hours as her bridal Mehndi was applied to her hands and feet by an artist. The process started hours before guests began to arrive, and the house was full of family and friends by the time it was done. Kehkashan chose to represent both Indian and Pakistani style into her Mehndi and hide her and the grooms initials in the design. 

    The second night of Mehndi celebrations were held in a banquet hall adorned in brightly colored cloth and lights. The bride and groom are both offered gifts from each others families and then music and food becomes the focus of the night. Aside from symbolizing the start of the wedding ceremonies the Mehndi is said to symbolize a pleasant transition in life. 

    On the third night, or the Nikah, the couple is officially wed. Women and children gathered on the main floor of the Islamic Education Center Husaini as the ceremony began, men gathered in the basement and started prayers. The words of the Imam could be heard over the speakers in the room with the women and children. Once the Imam said his peace the men joined the women, and Mohammed joined Kehkashan on stage to sign the marriage contract and complete the marriage. They unveil their faces to each other, or the Aarsi Mushaf Dikhana, and then the celebrations begin. A small celebration and dinner was held on the night of the Nikah hosted by Kehkashan’s family.

    On the last night, during the Valima, the couple hosts their first celebration as husband and wife. The marriage has been made official and the grooms parents have given their final blessing. This night is full of festivities and joy and concludes the long week of wedding ceremonies. 

    Kehkashan and Mohammed have know each other since childhood. Their families have always been connected through their religious community and relationships with mutual family and friends. Through all the tradition and ceremony are just two young people starting their lives together and looking for the tranquility and affection you feel from marrying someone you care deeply about.