Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/200

Rh at the court of Cabul, who said that he wished to lead a celibate life, but that his disciples had insisted upon his "perfecting his religion" by entering upon the married state!

As the religious ceremony does not form part of the legal conditions of marriage, there is no uniformity of ritual observed in its celebration. Some Qázís merely recite the Fátihah (the first chapter of the Qurán), and the Darúd, or blessing; but the following is the more common order of performing the service. The Qází, the bridegroom, and the bride's attorney, with the witnesses having assembled in some convenient place, arrangements are made as to the amount of Dower, or Mahr. The bridegroom then repeats after the Qází the following:—

1. The Istighfár, "I desire forgiveness from God, who is my Lord."

2. The four chapters of the Qurán commencing with the word "Qul." These chapters have nothing in them connected with the subject of marriage, and appear to be selected on account of their brevity.

3. The Kalima, or Creed. "There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the Prophet of God."