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Introduction: Nikah as a Sacred and Public Ritual in Islam

In Islam, marriage, or nikah, is a revered ritual that carries immense social and spiritual significance. The practice traditionally requires public declaration to confirm the relationship status within society, reflecting transparency and commitment. However, in many Muslim communities, a cultural practice has emerged that discourages the sharing of nikah photos or wedding information publicly, citing reasons tied to religious or cultural beliefs. While these intentions may seem protective, the consequences can lead to secret nikah, which opens doors to potential exploitation, unrecognized marriages, and in severe cases, human trafficking.

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The Cultural Practice of Concealing Nikah Images

The tradition of avoiding the publication of nikah photos is prevalent in certain societies, particularly in parts of the Middle East and Southeast Asia. A study by Soleimani and Sharifi (2023) in the Journal of Middle Eastern Studies highlights that in these communities, concealing wedding details is viewed as a way to preserve family honor and privacy. However, when marriage details are not shared, it can lead to complications, especially in legal contexts, where the lack of proof complicates cases involving inheritance, child support, or divorce claims (Soleimani & Sharifi, 2023).

Social Impacts of Concealing Nikah Information

Research by Abu-Ras and Ali (2021) in the Journal of Islamic Social Sciences examines how differing practices around nikah visibility impact Muslim communities. Some communities argue that openly sharing marriage photos promotes accountability and transparency, while others favor privacy for cultural reasons. This practice can, however, lead to unintended negative consequences, particularly for women, who may face difficulty in asserting their legal rights if the marriage is unrecognized by the broader society.

Concealing Nikah Images in Southeast Asian Muslim Communities

Hassan and Rahman (2022) conducted studies in Southeast Asian Muslim communities, finding that the restriction against sharing nikah photos is common among religiously conservative groups. This practice, intended to protect privacy, can ultimately place women in a vulnerable legal position. When the marriage is undocumented and informal, women may lack legal recourse in cases of abandonment or other disputes, placing them and their children in precarious situations (Hassan & Rahman, 2022).

Secret Nikah and Risks of Exploitation and Trafficking

Research by Sheibani (2024) highlights that secret marriages, or secret nikah, create pathways for individuals to evade legal responsibilities. By citing religious or cultural reasons, some men conceal their marriages, restricting wives from sharing their wedding images. This secrecy may lead to situations where women are left without financial or legal protection in cases of divorce or separation. Furthermore, the lack of transparency can expose women to risks of exploitation and, in some cases, human trafficking, particularly in unregistered or unprotected marriages.

ARAYA Nikah Planner & Consult Co., Ltd.’s Standpoint

ARAYA Nikah Planner & Consult Co., Ltd. strongly advocates for the public sharing of nikah images, affirming that nikah is a ceremony of dignity that deserves recognition. According to ARAYA, there is no aspect of a publicly acknowledged marriage that should be viewed as dishonorable. Conversely, avoiding the publication of wedding images often points to concealed intentions or a lack of commitment to the marriage’s legitimacy. Therefore, ARAYA upholds image-sharing as a key requirement in the Islamic marriage framework in Thailand under Nikah Guardian Thailand, which aims to protect both parties by promoting transparent and socially accepted marriage practices.

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Conclusion and Recommendations

The practice of concealing nikah images and the secrecy surrounding some marriages could expose women to exploitation, and in extreme cases, human trafficking. Promoting transparency in marriage practices through public announcements and image sharing can strengthen the legitimacy of these unions. Establishing visible and widely accepted marital practices provides a sense of security for all involved, helping to protect women’s rights and promoting a fair, accountable society.

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References

1. Soleimani, H., & Sharifi, M. (2023). Cultural Norms and the Privacy of Nikah in Middle Eastern Societies. Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 18(2), 223-240.
2. Abu-Ras, W., & Ali, H. (2021). Public vs. Private: The Debate on Nikah Ceremony Visibility in Contemporary Muslim Communities. Journal of Islamic Social Sciences, 9(3), 155-172.
3. Hassan, R., & Rahman, S. (2022). Social Media and Nikah Privacy: A Study on Cultural Implications in Southeast Asian Muslim Communities. Asian Journal of Cultural Studies, 14(1), 88-105.
4. Sheibani, M. (2024). Deceptive Debauchery: Secret Marriage and the Challenge of Legalism in Muslim-Minority Communities. Religions, 15(1). DOI:10.3390/rel15010010.
5. Erkoc Baydar, T. (2023). A Secret Marriage and Denied Rights: A Critique from an Islamic Law Perspective. Religions, 14(4). DOI:10.3390/rel14040463.