Nuqta is the money or gold that family and friends give the couple at the wedding, the engagement or the katb el-ketab, as their share in the start of your life together. In many families nuqta is returned later at the giver's own occasions, so writing it down isn't stinginess: it's a way of remembering kindness.
The custom differs from family to family and from town to town. Some families write everything down; others don't keep a record at all. Do what feels right for you.
Record it on the day
- One person in charge: choose someone close and trustworthy to hold the notebook or the phone all evening, so the bride and groom aren't busy with it.
- The full name: write the name the way you'll remember it years from now, with how they're related or how they know you.
- The amount or the gift: money, gold or a present. If it's a sealed envelope, open it after the wedding and record what was inside.
- The occasion: the engagement, the katb el-ketab or the wedding, so you know when each person gave.
After the wedding
- Go over the notebook calmly: two or three days later, not on the wedding night.
- Say thank you: a short thank-you message to each person by name means a lot, however small the amount.
- Keep the notebook safe: photograph it or copy it so it isn't lost.
When it's your turn
When someone who gave has an occasion of their own, go back to the notebook. You'll know what they gave and at which occasion, and can decide what to give without relying on memory.
On Zaghrouta
In the nuqta book you record each gift: who, how much and at which occasion. You can show your own InstaPay QR at the wedding, so anyone who'd like to give from their phone transfers straight to you. Zaghrouta never holds money: transfers go directly to you, and the app only keeps the record.
For larger gifts the family chips in for together, such as the honeymoon or something for الجهاز, there are family gifts.