SALALAH, July 27: The age-old tradition of 'Al Maghbour' is still a moving representation of community and cooperation in Dhofar Governorate. With its beautiful weather and rich scenery that heighten the joy of wedding festivities, 'Al Maghbour' has a special place in people's hearts throughout the khareef season.
Known as the wedding season, it is marked by wedding tents set up in the vicinity of mosques and public places, ready to begin festivities. To pay for wedding-related expenses like the dowry, feasts, and venue rentals, 'Al Maghbour's financial assistance is essential.
The 'Al Maghbour' tradition is distinguished by its inclusiveness and community spirit. Contributions vary according to the groom's social ties and community activity. Multiple scribes are frequently required to record the names of contributors, who form long lines to make their donations. The groom or his father keeps thorough records to ensure that presents are reciprocated at future weddings.
The younger generation of Dhofar are actively participating in weddings by bringing valuable presents and cash gifts, demonstrating their strong enthusiasm in keeping this tradition alive. Female relatives are also expected to contribute gifts and money as part of the 'Al Mussabaha' tradition, which emphasises the celebrations' community aspect.
The groom's and relatives' families also contribute cattle and feasts to these festivities, demonstrating the teamwork required for such occasions. The 'Al Maghbour' process comprises a scribe from the groom's family documenting the names and donations of participants in a special register.
Contributions begin at RO 10, with larger amounts reflecting the participant's ability and proximity to the family. The concept of presents has developed over time. Traditionally, the bride was given garments, incense, and Chinese porcelain before the wedding and now gold sets are becoming the most popular gifts.
The contributions found in 'Al Maghbour' are very ethical and traditional, signifying respect and affection for one another. This custom guarantees that donations will be returned at subsequent weddings, exemplifying a highly valued social cohesiveness in Dhofar.
Intricate events, and wedding ceremonies in Dhofar take place in stages, starting with the engagement. The groom goes to the girl's father with his father or a family member to make a marriage proposal.
Usually, the father of the girl asks for some time to consider, and after that time is granted, the father of the groom arranges another meeting to decide on the dowry, often called 'Al Jihaz.' Families frequently have this amount as a well-established norm since it demonstrates respect and understanding between them.
The second stage, known as 'Ath Thubout,' entails the groom, his father, family, and tribe elders visiting the bride's home.
Negotiations frequently follow to bring dowry down to a fair level. Once agreed upon, the wedding date is established, and the groom's family sends the dowry, which includes the bride's attire and all of her requirements. The bride's mother then distributes part of the clothes to relatives to commemorate the occasion, a custom called locally as 'Manani.'
'Al Aqd,' the third stage, is typically held at the bride's house or a mosque and is attended by a large number of friends, family, and acquaintances. Following the contract ceremony, guests congratulate the groom and perform a piece of 'Al Haboot' art to commemorate the event.
A procession of elders and officials reciting joyous poems is led by the groom, who is clad in a bisht and khanjar and carrying a sword or rifle. With hand fans and big incense burners in their hands, women accompany traditional bands.
Some marriages include an evening ritual called 'Al Sahra,' which comes right after the signing of the contract. Traditional arts like 'Al Bara' and 'Al Sharh' are featured in this event, drawing sizable crowds and boosting the happiness of the community.
On the wedding night, women have a unique celebration at the groom's home called 'Al Tabl.' A notable female traditional performance called 'Al Tabl' art is held this evening, and many female relatives and other women are in attendance adding a distinctive cultural element.
In the last phase, known as 'Al Tahweel,' the bride moves into her husband's household from her family's. The bride's mother extends a traditional welcome to them and the bride is escorted to the groom's home by women following the evening prayer. When the groom's family arrives, they offer a traditional 'Al Qabouli,' a buffet with a variety of delicacies.
The bride's 'Mussabaha' takes place on the second day, during which the husband gives her and her mother a priceless gift, typically gold or cash. In honour of the bride's mother, 'Dhibhat Al Khala,' is a feast.
A post-wedding ceremony known as 'Al Takhwid' permits ladies to visit and see the bride in her full attire, adding a last touch of communal joy and social bonding.
Finally, the 'Al Maghbour' custom and the intricate phases of wedding rituals in Dhofar demonstrate the region's rich cultural legacy and strong feeling of community. These rituals not only reduce the financial burden of weddings, but also strengthen social ties, guaranteeing that bonds of mutual support and respect are carried down through the generations.
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