The Ruling on Wedding Practices: Men Wearing Beaded Necklaces and Garlands in Islam

Are Beaded Necklaces, Shawls, and Garlands for Grooms Permissible in Islam?

Question: Nowadays, it is observed that men wear a special type of necklace made of beads and embroidered shawls at weddings. Similarly, the groom is adorned with garlands of flowers and money. What is the ruling on these practices in light of Shariah?

Answer: The issue is not limited to the groom; the customs and traditions associated with the bride are even worse. In fact, from the beginning to the end, weddings are plagued with the worst customs and traditions. There is no reflection of Islam in them; instead, they are filled with Hindu customs, imitation of non-Muslims, and Western cultural practices.

Regarding the groom wearing necklaces, whether made of beads or flowers and money, this is both an imitation of women and non-Muslims. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade men from imitating women and also from imitating non-Muslims. All these practices related to weddings are un-Islamic. One hadith is sufficient as advice in this regard. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Whoever does an act that is not in accordance with our matter (i.e., our religion), it will be rejected.” (Sahih Muslim: 1718)

Some embroidered clothes or shawls are also part of Hindu customs. Therefore, any clothing or shawl that imitates non-Muslims should be avoided, and it is also not appropriate to use shawls that are characteristic of women’s adornment, as this involves imitation of women.