Having the Bride Accepted by Those Present at the Gathering

Question

Nowadays it is the custom that after the nikah a piece of cloth is given into the bride’s hand, and its other end is held by those present at the gathering (from the husband’s side), and the bride’s wakil says these words: “For so many days I fed her and gave her to drink; now I hand her over to you people,” after which those present at the gathering accept her. Is this permissible or not?

Answer

The nikah is concluded by offer and acceptance (ijab and qabul). The form described in the question is a pointless (laghw) and baseless custom; the offer and acceptance of the husband and wife, or of the wakil on their behalf, is sufficient.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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