Traditional weddings often see a lot of rituals and customs that the bride and groom must follow before they step into the new phase of their lives.
While Kanyadan, Saath Pherey, and Bidai are some that can be seen in Hindu weddings, Pakistani brides or brides who follow similar traditions get an opportunity to ask for a Haq Mehr (gifts from her husband) before the wedding. It can be anything they like-jewelry, some cash, an expensive car, etc.
But this bride decided to ask for something meaningful and that resonates with her personality. Setting up the right precedent, newly-wed Naila Shamal hailing from Pakistan’s Mardan city reportedly asked for books worth 1 Lakh Pakistani Rupee as her Haq Mehr.
The bride, who is a writer, in a now viral video, can be seen sitting in front of a shelf laden with books, sharing why she decided to take this unusual step.
“As you all know, I have demanded books worth 100,000 Pakistani Rupee (INR 46,560 approx.) for Haq Mehr. One reason for this is that due to rising inflation in our country, we cannot afford expensive gifts. On the other hand, it is also important to eliminate such evil customs from our society.”
She further added, “Most of the women ask for gold or cash, but as a writer, I asked for books because if we can’t value them then how can we expect others to show reverence for them?”
According to the person who tweeted her video, both the bride and the groom are writers.
Here’s her video:
A bride Naila Shamal in Mardan KPK, Pakistan demanded books in Haq Mehr, worth 100k. The bride and the groom both are writers.
How much you love books? 😍 pic.twitter.com/zTQAVncYkF
— Mona Farooq Ahmad (@MFChaudhryy) March 16, 2021
This is how people reacted to it:
Sister, you have won the hearts of millions, even after passing of more than fourteen hundred of years, we could not understand the region of our Allah & His messengers. Allah hame is baat ki taufeeq de ki hum sahi raste per hon.@hinaa08
— Kaleem Ahmad Khan (@KaleemAhmadKha5) March 16, 2021
It’s a progressive thought. The couple is lucky enough to have each other and they will definitely enjoy writing in each other’s company. More power to them 🙌🏻!
— Zainab (@bzainab27) March 16, 2021
It’s heartening to see book lovers in this day and age.
— Kiran (@Kiran84383775) March 16, 2021
This is Positive , creative trend in her community & given best cite for society. proud to be woman .
— Hemang Purohit (@HemangPurohit15) March 18, 2021
The best gift that someone can ask is knowledge
And Wow !! You asked it so beautifully ❤️— Shashank (@88d79a3b9d554e1) March 17, 2021
Kudos to you, Naila for setting the right example for others to follow.