Marrying someone from a different cultural and religious background

[Booklover17]

Hi everyone,

This is my first time posting in this forum. I don’t know if it is the right one but I am struggling. I am an Aussie but I am marrying someone from a different cultural and religious background. Has anyone been through this or know of any support groups? I can really use some support.

[Booklover17]

Hi Hayfa,

You are correct. I am in a very difficult situation. We are having 2 weddings. When I say weddings I mean the Western version of the term. They want us to do a Katb El-kitab. So we will do that plus an Australian wedding. What I have planned for my wedding is a nice garden wedding.

[Booklover17]

Hi Quirky,

Yes everyone has been great with their insights. Thank you for your posts too.

[Booklover17]

Hi everyone,

Can someone please help? We are doing the traditional islamic ceremony on Sunday and I am very anxious about it. I just want it to be the ceremony - not to be legally married as we are doing that next month in an Australian ceremony. Can anyone tell me exactly what happens in this islamic ceremony? Is it usually legal or do people normally go back at a later time for the legal part? I will be really grateful for any help.

[james1]

Hello Booklover17,

Sorry I do not know much about islamic ceremonies. Does your fiance know whether it includes the legal aspect or not, or can he speak to whoever is organising to find out?

It sounds like a very nervous time for you, not knowing what is actually happening.

James

[Hayfa]

Hello Booklover17

The Islamic ceremony otherwise known as 'Khatib-El- Kitab' translated literally to signing/writing of book/marriage license.
This is the Islamic tradition of legally signing a marriage document under Sharia/Islamic law presided over by the Sheikh/Imam. It is a legally binding document in Islamic culture and law that recognises the marriage union.

It will be conducted in spoken Arabic and you will be asked to say something similar to 'I do" in Arabic. It will be attended by your fiance's and your family members (probably three from each side) who will bear witness to the marriage ceremony.
It is fairly straight forward, no need to panic. Sometimes after the ceremony, food is usually offered also. The marriage is recognisable here in Australia, the Sheikh or Imam may also write out the marriage license in English (the one that is also needed here) to be registered at your State or Territory's Dept of Births, Deaths and Marriages, hence I don't know if you necessarily need to do another and sign it in your Australian ceremony.

I hope this helps.

[Booklover17]

Hi James,

Thank you for post. No-one has been able to give me an answer on the legal side but I can see Hayfa has written something so thank you Hayfa 🙂 I am so nervous ans scared James. It is so beyond what I know.

[Booklover17]

Hi Hayfa,

Thank you so much for explaining everything. It helps so much because I have not been able to get a straight answer out of anyone. All I wanted was to know what would happen and no-one would tell me. You have helped so much, thank you.

[quirkywords]

Booklover

I want to wish you all the best for Sunday. it is a special day for you and your families.

You have shown that sometimes all we need is an explanation so we can understand what is going on. I admire your honesty and openness..

It also shows me that we should not assume that some one knows what is happening when they are part of a different cultural or religious event and how important it is to explain what is happening.

Thanks Hayfa to, because it gave me a insight into another culture.

Booklover thanks again for starting this thread.

Quirky