Kerala: Muslim bride demands books as ‘meher’, wins hearts on social media

A newlywed Muslim couple in Kerala is winning hearts on social media for breaking stereotypes and conventions and replacing it with creativity and knowledge.

When Ajna Nizam got engaged, she made a rather unusual demand; she asked for 80 books as meher. The groom-to-be, Ijas Hakkim not only readily agreed, but he also added 20 more books and presented to her 100 books on their wedding day, December 29.

Meher is a tradition in which brides usually demand money, jewellery, house or other valuables from the groom. It is considered the right of a woman and she can demand anything. The groom cannot refuse.

Ajna Nizam then got a photo of her clicked with the books she received as meher.

Though many friends and relatives discouraged Ajna from making such an unusual demand, the groom’s parents fully supported her

In the photo, Ajna can be seen surrounded by books, which include the Bible, Quran, Gita and the Indian Constitution. This photo has won applause on the internet with many praising her for breaking the convention.