Honoring Egyptian, English, and Colombian Traditions
A special thanks to the groom’s Egyptian family and friends, as well as the bride’s English and Colombian friends, who honored the mosque’s traditions. The groom’s parents, originally from Egypt, incorporated several Egyptian customs into the ceremony. One such tradition involved reciting the 99 names of God—with 99 symbolizing infinity—each representing an attribute of the divine. Additionally, Nasheeds, poetry praising the merciful messages of the Prophet, were played at the beginning and end of the ceremony.
A Respectful and Beautiful Processional
As the Nasheeds played, the groom entered with his parents, followed by the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, and lastly, the bride with her parents. The bride’s Catholic family honored mosque tradition by covering their hair, just as Mother Mary did.
59th Muslim Nikah Ceremony Officiated
This was the 59th Nikah ceremony I officiated between two Muslims. Some participants were born Muslim, while others had converted after studying intensely about Islam and reading articles on our website and in the book “American Muslim Agenda.” It is important to note that no one should convert solely for marriage, as Islam forbids conversion by compulsion. One of the strongest values in Islam is truthfulness, emphasized in 852 verses of the Quran. The importance of truthfulness remains relevant even after marriage.
Incorporating Christian Values Into the Nikah
Since the bride was raised in the Christian tradition, it was a joy to incorporate elements of Christian values into the Nikah ceremony. Islam is not a new religion; it shares teachings passed down through Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them). This universality exists in all religions—belief in a Creator who initiated the universe, accountability for one’s actions, the pursuit of values that foster inner peace and harmony, and the importance of caring for one another. By getting to know each other, we can reduce conflicts and foster peace. God loves us and expresses that love through values like truthfulness, which brings us peace and tranquility.
The Universal Importance of Truthfulness
Truth is one of the most sacred values in Islam and is perhaps the most enduring virtue across all religions, social systems, and governance models. The well-being of any society is sustained by truth alone. Truth serves as a solid foundation upon which secure communities are built.
For more on this, visit: [Truthfulness in Islam]
Truth in Global Traditions
India’s emblem includes the phrase “Satyameva Jayate,” meaning Truth Triumphs, which reflects a concept similar to the U.S. emblem “E Pluribus Unum.”
Wedding Statistics Across Interfaith and Muslim Ceremonies
Out of the 586 weddings I have officiated, 59 were between Muslims. Some of the statistics are included in:
Your Rabbi, Imam, Pastor or Pundit for Interfaith Marriages – Wedding Statistics
About the Officiant
Dr. Ghouse is the President and founder of the Center for Pluralism and director of the World Muslim Congress. He is an Interfaith Wedding Officiant for InterfaithMarriages.org and a Muslim Wedding Officiant. He is a Muslim, Pluralist, activist, speaker, author, and social scientist. More on Google
Mike Ghouse
