In Islam, the Akht ceremony registers the union of the couple in the eyes of God and society. In Bangladesh, the Akht also serves as a legal declaration of marriage which is recognized by the state. The marriage contract is specified, and the groom (or someone acting on his behalf, such as a guardian) then proposes marriage. Two witnesses must witness the proposal and the bride's acceptance. The bride accepts by saying "kobul" (I accept) three times. The bride and groom seal the covenant by signing their names and putting their thumbprints in the wedding registry. The person conducting the wedding then invokes the blessing of God through prayer. Following traditional Islamic customs, the bride and groom share fruit of the date palm.