I need ideas for an interfaith wedding ceremony. I am Christian, and he is Muslim.?

Question

We love each other very much, and I want the day to be special for both of us. Anything would be helpful. Thanks!

Answer 1

Wow, you got a lot of hardcore answers about kids and laws and religion, and if I'm not mistaken, you want ideas for the ceremony, right? Jeez.

I would suggest getting married in a neutral area ... not a mosque or temple or church, but maybe outdoors, say on the beach or in a nice park, or some other non-religious area.

Also, a good way to show that the families are all ok with this, is to have a unity candle or something similar ... the families can light their own candle and then together light a larger one, symbolizing their union through you.

Depending on how you want to be married (i.e., in what tradition), you can find a minister and a muslim imam (I hope I'm saying that correctly) to each perform a part of the ceremony, or get an interfaith minister who can include christian and muslim traditions into the ceremony. OR, to really throw everyone off, you can use things that aren't traditionally from either religion, like tying your hands together (tying the knot may actually be a muslim practice, actually), or even a cool hindu thing like painting your hands with henna.

Both religious traditions have beautiful wedding themes, and there's no shortage of themes or activities or ceremonies that use both or no religion at all. Look into what both of you want to incorporate and what you don't, and meet in the middle. You'll be doing a lot of meeting in the middle for the rest of your lives! :)

Answer 2

hmmmm these are hard religions to mesh... but i think its awesome you found love.

just dont be surprised if alot of family members on his side dont show (if they are really religious) because muslim receptions arent mixed.. meaning guys and girls arent in the same rooms. and alot wont go if they are. im sure you know that though.

i guess take key things from each ceremony or parts that you love.. for example maybe they dont do a unity candle.. but you love it. so add that in.. its really hard to say , i dont know much about muslim traditions

good luck

Answer 3

Wow - is his family okay with this? Be prepared that you may have to sign legal papers saying any children resulting from the marriage MUST be raised Muslim.

I hope you know what you're getting into - is he Sunni or Shiite? There have been many American and European women who ended up having their children kidnapped and taken to the middle east by their muslim husbands. Is he American or is native to another country?

My dad had to have 2 separate ceremonies. I can tell you right now, no Mosque will allow anything Christian in there. You could have an outdoor ceremony - but good luck getting an imam to help you.  

Answer 4

My husband is Jewish and I'm Christian. We got married with a justice of the Peace.  His parents didn't want any Jewish religion in the wedding b/c it wasnt' a religious wedding.  My family wanted some ceremony in it, so we did a unity candle which both mothers participated in.  We also did a reading from the Song of Solomon....the old testament was significant in both our religions.  Ask both families for input.  

I know you didn't ask....but did you guys talk about children?  Make sure you and your fiance are on the same page now.  You dont have to tell your families yet if if will casue problems, but you should have it worked out between the 2 of you......interfaith issues with children can ruin the best of marriages.  Good luck!

Answer 5

Find a JP who does interfaith ceremonies. They will know how best to include traditions from each faith.

Congrats!

Answer 6

Don't do it. As a Christian you should know that the Bible says not to be unequally yolked. Having two religions in one house will cause only conflict.

Answer 7

Every December is going to be very rough for you girl.

Best of luck.