Siddi Muammar’s marriage customs and traditions in Algeria’s Chlef Province

Amal Attia
Algeria

Siddi Muammar was a social reformer who tried to convince people not to indulge in extravagant wedding rituals that made weddings a great burden for young men. He tried to make weddings simpler and more symbolic. For example, one ritual he started was encouraging brides to marry with bare feet to show that there is no difference between brides who wear beautiful shoes and those who do not.

Islamic law does not specify an exact dowry; Siddi Muammar recommended that the dowry be limited to a certain amount of money. Siddi Muammar was greatly respected, so anyone who exceeded this amount was believed to be defying Siddi Muammar and was at risk of being cursed. His intention was to make it easier for young people to marry, so they would not sin.

Siddi Muammar’s wedding rituals are still followed in Algeria, and his legacy has been part of the national identity for centuries.