32 couples tie the knot at Bamyan mass wedding ceremony

BAMYAN CITY (Pajhwok): Twenty-three couples tied the knot at a mass wedding ceremony aimed at institutionalizing Islamic values, reducing huge costs of marriage, and combating objectionable social traditions in central Bamyan province.

Mohammad Ali Ahmadi, head of the Imam Jafar Sadiq Madrasa, told Pajhwok Afghan News in 9^th round, the mass wedding ceremony of 32 young couples was held by the madrasa in cooperation with the office of Ayatullah Mohaqiq Kabuli and charitable individuals in the province today.

The mass wedding was aimed at eliminating undesirable traditions, reducing unnecessary spending, and institutionalizing Islamic values in society.

Ahmadi said this program included people who could not afford to arrange their weddings.

Meanwhile, Nematullah Sadeqi, a representative of Kabuli’s office called marriage one of the important Islamic traditions and said: “In Islam, the easiest marriage is the best marriage. Excessive expenses and undesirable customs that prevent young people from getting married legally are not legitimate and must be confronted”.

He explained it would be better to support such mass wedding ceremonies and provide the basis for Islamic marriage.

The couples also expressed their joy over holding the ceremony.

Ghulam Ali, one of the grooms, said: “I was engaged for almost three years, but due to heavy expenses and common traditions, I was unable to get married”.

Many poor youths avoid marriage due to their inability to afford wedding expenses and end up migrating illegally to a foreign country, he added.

In recent years, mass weddings have become more common in a number of provinces to help low-income families and promote simple marriages.

hz/ma