Muslim community members and leaders have expressed concerns over the increasing extravagance in wedding ceremonies, highlighting how such practices burden families financially and set unrealistic societal expectations. Discussions within the NRIndians Group have shed light on the growing trend of lavish celebrations, urging a shift towards simplicity.
Khalid Syed, an active participant in the discussion, pointed out that while many community leaders speak against extravagant weddings, they often fail to practice what they preach when it comes to their own children’s marriages. He emphasized that the need for change must begin with those in influential positions, setting an example for the rest of the community.
Another contributor, Mohammed Mahmood from Aligarh, mentioned an initiative in Kashmir where a welfare organization has taken the responsibility of arranging collective weddings for underprivileged girls. Such efforts, he said, help alleviate the financial burden on struggling families and promote a culture of modesty in marriage ceremonies.
Israrul Haque highlighted the severe consequences of this social competition, where poor families, especially Muslims, end up in financial distress trying to outdo relatives and neighbors in wedding expenses. He noted that these extravagant celebrations often lead to debt and long-term hardships, ultimately harming families instead of strengthening them.
The discussion emphasized that the essence of a successful marriage does not lie in the grandeur of its ceremony but in the mutual love, respect, and understanding between the families involved. Community members called for a shift in perception, advocating for simpler weddings that focus on the true purpose of marriage rather than societal expectations.
As the debate on this issue continues, many believe that community-wide awareness and leadership by example are crucial in curbing the trend of extravagant Muslim weddings.
