Chapter 13

Plurality of wives.--Mahumud's motive for permitting this privilege.--State of society at the commencement of the Prophet's mission.--His injunctions respecting marriage.--Parents invariably determine on the selection of a husband.--First marriages attended by a public ceremony.--The first wife takes precedence of all others.--Generosity of disposition evinced by the Mussulmaun ladies.--Divorces obtained under certain restrictions.--Period of solemnizing marriage.--Method adopted in choosing a husband or wife.--Overtures and contracts of marriage, how regulated.--Mugganee, the first contract.--Dress of the bride elect on this occasion.--The ceremonies described as witnessed.--Remarks on the bride.--Present from the bridegroom on Buckrah Eade... Page 179