Tradition-rich wedding
ALL SMILES: The radiant bride Siti Nurhaliza resplendent in her wedding dress with Khalid getting ready for a photo call.
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KUALA LUMPUR: In a ceremony rich in Malay tradition that was witnessed by thousands live on television, businessman Datuk Khalid Muhammad Jiwa took pop princess Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin as his wife yesterday.
The akad nikah (solemnisation of marriage) was held at the Federal Territory Central Mosque and performed by FT Religious Department (Jawi) registrar of marriage, divorce and reconciliation Nasroddin Mat Daud.
Khalid offered a mas kahwin (marriage fee) of RM22,222, a figure that was inspired by the period of time that it took for the Quran to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad (which was 22 years, two months and two days).
The akad nikah was preceded by a majlis pertunangan (engagement ceremony) where representatives from both sides waxed lyrical, with the groom’s side cajoling the other side to accept the suitor’s request.
Equally eloquent and articulate with their pantun, the bride’s side accepted, and Khalid’s mother Siti Zainab Hanafi slipped a single-studded diamond ring onto Siti’s dainty finger to seal the engagement.
Khalid presented, as hantaran (bridal gift) – with the theme Cindai, after Siti’s most famous song – seven trays that carried a cash gift of RM30,000, sweetmeats, a volume of the Quran, a floral potpourri, a diamond-studded jewellery set, a cloth of lace, a handbag and a wristwatch.
The bride’s side reciprocated with nine trays – with the theme drawn from another of her hit songs, Sebenar Cinta – that carried a floral potpourri, songket cloth, studs for a baju Melayu, a wristwatch, a ring, a cake, a belt and wallet, cufflinks and a tuxedo.
After the customary vow of marriage, Khaled slipped a single studded diamond ring on Siti’s finger to signify their union as man and wife.
Present at the ceremony were Tengku Muda Pahang Tengku Abdul Rahman and his consort Isteri Che Julita Aishah, Malacca Yang diPertua Negri Tun Khalil Yaakob and his wife Toh Puan Zurina Kassim, and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Speaking to some 100 reporters after the ceremony, Siti said she would try to be a good wife while juggling her time with her career.
Khalid added that he would not stop Siti from pursuing her career.
Siti also admitted that she was besieged by feelings of worry when she arrived at the mosque.
The newly wedded couple left the mosque in separate vehicles.
The much touted Wedding of the Year, will be held at the KL Convention Centre on Aug 28, which would be followed by receptions in Siti’s hometown in Kuala Lipis in Pahang and Jakarta in Indonesia.