Himachal’s first online wedding leaves many perplexed, how ailing man’s wish forced it to happen
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In an unusual ceremony, love and family devotion bridged a distance of thousands of miles as a youth from Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, working in Turkiye, married his bride in Mandi through an online Nikah (wedding in Islam).
The remote ceremony was conducted to fulfill the heartfelt wish of the bride’s ailing grandfather, who longed to see his granddaughter wed while he was still alive.
The virtual vows, exchanged over video call, marked a first for Himachal Pradesh.
Mohammad Adnan, the groom, is the son of Mohammad Rafi and works with a private company in Turkiye. His bride, who lives in Mandi district, had eagerly awaited the marriage.
However, Adnan was unable to secure leave from work to return to India. Meanwhile, the health of the bride’s grandfather had been deteriorating, leaving the family determined to ensure his dream of seeing his granddaughter happily married came true.
After deliberations between both families, the decision was made to conduct the Nikah online.
Witnesses, including relatives and Jama Masjid head Mohammad Haroon, joined virtually from different locations, and, with all customary formalities in place, the couple exchanged the traditional vows of acceptance.
Both Adnan and his bride uttered “Kabool Hai” (I accept) in front of the gathered witnesses.
Adnan’s uncle Akram Mohammad recounted the profound significance of this virtual wedding. “Adnan had wanted to be present in person, but fate had other plans. Still, he didn’t want to let go of this opportunity to honour the wishes of his bride’s family, especially her ailing grandfather.
Once he returns, the Nikah will be performed again with all formal rituals,” he shared.
Jama Masjid chief Mohammad Haroon assured both families that the online Nikah was entirely valid, citing precedence and religious acceptance of remote ceremonies in special circumstances.
For him, it was a moment that underscored the adaptability of love and faith in the modern world.
“While it is unconventional, the beauty of this ceremony lies in its purpose — to honour family, faith and the wishes of an elder,” he noted.
