Muhammad Elyass
Marriage is one of the most sacred and meaningful relationships in life. It is a union built on love, trust, and mutual support. In Islam, marriage is not just a social contract; it is an act of worship and a pathway to personal and societal harmony. Unfortunately, the rising trend of extravagant weddings among the wealthy has distorted the true essence of marriage, creating immense pressure on families with limited resources.
Marriage in Islam: Simplicity and Meaning
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The best marriage is one that is most easy [to fulfill].” This teaching underscores the importance of simplicity in marriage. A marriage is meant to bring people together in love and harmony, not to serve as a platform for displaying wealth or status.
Sadly, many modern weddings focus on grandeur rather than the values of unity and sincerity. Lavish decorations, multi-course meals, expensive venues, and countless gifts have become the norm, turning what should be a celebration of love into a competition of extravagance.
The Burden on the Less Fortunate
For wealthy families, hosting grand weddings may seem effortless. However, for families with limited resources, these trends create unbearable financial and emotional burdens. Parents from low-income backgrounds often feel compelled to go into debt or endure humiliation to meet societal expectations.
Consider the story of a young girl whose family struggled to fund her wedding. Facing the lofty expectations set by wealthier families, they were forced to choose between compromising their values or risking financial ruin. Such stories are becoming all too common, reflecting the harsh reality of societal pressures on the less fortunate.
Social Divides and Loss of Values
Extravagant weddings deepen the divide between the rich and the poor. They foster a culture where wealth overshadows values such as kindness, humility, and compassion. Instead of celebrating love and unity, weddings have become shallow displays of power and status.
Islamic Teachings on Wealth and Generosity
Islam discourages wasteful spending and encourages using wealth for the benefit of others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” This highlights the importance of generosity and compassion.
True wealth lies not in extravagant displays but in helping others and uplifting the community. A meaningful saying reminds us: “A rich person is not one who has a lot of money and enjoys luxury, but one who is kind to those who are less fortunate.”
Steps to Restore the Spirit of Marriage
To address these issues, we must collectively rethink how we celebrate marriage. Here are five actionable steps:
1. Prioritize Relationships Over Extravagance
Marriage should be about building a strong bond between two people. Communities can organize workshops to highlight the importance of love, trust, and mutual respect in marriage. These values matter far more than lavish celebrations.
2. Promote Simplicity in Weddings
Families should choose simpler, smaller wedding ceremonies that focus on the union rather than on competition. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised, “The most blessed marriage is the one with the least expenses.” Couples who have had meaningful, modest weddings can share their stories to inspire others.
3. Encourage Positive Peer Influence
Wealthier families can set an example by hosting modest weddings. Their choices can influence others to follow suit. Social media and community gatherings can also be used to spread the message of simplicity and discourage extravagance.
4. Establish Community Support Systems
Communities can create wedding funds or cooperative planning services to help families in need celebrate responsibly. Such initiatives reinforce the idea that marriage is a shared celebration and promote unity.
5. Foster Empathy and Social Responsibility
The wealthy can support the less fortunate by offering financial help, donations, or moral support. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” By fostering empathy, we can bridge the gap between different socioeconomic groups.
Embracing a Meaningful Change
The true essence of marriage lies in love, unity, and shared responsibility. By embracing simplicity and compassion, we can restore the real spirit of this sacred union. Celebrations should reflect values of humility and kindness, not extravagance and competition.
When we celebrate modestly, we honor Islamic teachings and create a society where everyone can enjoy the joy of marriage without financial burdens. Let us work together to build a culture of simplicity and shared happiness, where every couple can begin their journey with dignity and peace.
(Note Muhammad Elyass, a student by profession is a freelancer,
e-mail muhammadilyass789@gmail.com)
