An Invalid Marriage

2021

An Invalid Marriage series demonstrates glimpses of rituals carried out in a typical Malay wedding.

"Akad Nikah" is a solemnisation ceremony mandatory in Islamic practice, meaning to hand the bride away. The Arabic word nikah found in the Quran alone translates to the commitment of marriage. As a Muslim in Singapore, one may face complications regarding what is obligatory and leisure due to the Malay community's influence. The clash of the Malay culture and religious beliefs in Islam over generations has caused societal pressure and expectations set for how a wedding is supposed to be.