Kashmir's Costly Weddings Keep Youth Waiting

By Raqif Makhdoomi

I recently watched a groom's family meticulously arranging dry fruit containers, each more ornate than the last.

The trays gleamed, the prices soared, and I couldn't help but wonder: who really benefits from this?

Once the nuts are eaten, the boxes sit unused, discarded, a symbol of the growing pressure on families.

Weddings have become competitions in wealth and display, and the simple joy of marriage is disappearing.

It is not just about dry fruits or sweets.

The feasts have grown overwhelming, plates piled with dishes, many of them wasted while poor wait outside, hungry and turned away.

I remember thinking, why not serve them a simple dish or some rice and let them go home satisfied?

Our faith teaches compassion. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said,“Never yell at anyone who comes to you to ask for anything. Either help them or turn them away peacefully.” He never endorsed turning away the needy with anger.

In Islam, the burden of wedding expenses has never been placed on the bride's family. The only feast required is the Walima, arranged by the groom.

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