Digital Nikah: A Modern Twist on Tradition as Man Marries via Video Call
Peerzada Masarat Shah
In a story that combines love, family obligations, and the impact of modern technology, an Indian man recently married over a video call after his employer denied him leave. Adnan Muhammad, currently based in Turkey, married his bride from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi through a “digital nikah” in a virtual ceremony that has gone viral.
The Unforeseen Circumstances
The decision to proceed with a virtual wedding wasn’t taken lightly. Adnan, who had been planning a traditional wedding back in India, found himself in a tough situation when his Turkish employer refused to grant him leave. Meanwhile, the bride’s ailing grandfather insisted that the wedding take place promptly, hoping to witness the ceremony despite his declining health.
A Marriage Across Screens
With no other options available, the families of both the bride and groom decided to go digital. Using video call technology, they connected across countries and coordinated a nikah that would otherwise have occurred in person. During the online ceremony, both Adnan and his bride affirmed their vows by repeating “qubool hai” (“I accept”) three times, in accordance with Islamic traditions. A qazi, or Islamic officiant, guided the couple and their families through the rituals, ensuring the sanctity of the marriage remained intact despite the virtual setup.
Technology Meets Tradition
In many ways, this wedding exemplifies how technology is reshaping our lives, even in deeply traditional matters like marriage. While remote weddings became common during the pandemic, Adnan’s story serves as a reminder that distance, work obligations, or unexpected situations don’t have to be barriers to fulfilling one’s commitments.
A Viral Moment
Social media quickly caught on to this unique wedding story, and it has since gone viral, sparking conversations about family, duty, and adaptability. Many have praised the families for their willingness to adapt, and the couple has become a symbol of love finding a way—even if that means celebrating the union virtually.
This “digital nikah” is yet another testament to how, with the right mindset, modern tools can keep love alive and allow for cherished traditions to endure.