Egyptian-Islamic Wedding Customs?

First of all, congratulations on your wedding. To answer your question, there really is nothing weird or strange to expect in a traditional Islamic wedding. I don't know how things would go in the States, but when I got married here in Egypt and in all the weddings I've attended the ceremony in the mosque was very simple and straightforward. The "Ma'zoon", as the person marrying you two is called in Egypt, makes the groom hold the hand of the bride's father or whoever it is who is giving her away (in your case he would probably hold your hand since no family will be attending) and he says the traditional words which are exchanged at each wedding and the groom and the father of the bride (in your case you) repeat what he says. It is a custom in Egypt for the Ma'zoon to hold a handkerchief over your hands covering them with it. After the vows are over, the friends of the groom or sometimes the Ma'zoon himself each try to snatch the handkerchief first as it is considered to be good luck. This has nothing to do with Islam, of course but I guess it is just an old custom here in Egypt. Sort of like the bride tossing the boquet to her friends. Anyway, after that you simply sign the papers and its official! You are now Mrs. ....!

The wierd stuff really starts after you leave the mosque as wedding celebrations in Egypt have become very lavish and intricate occasions to show off the family's wealth and prestige. People want to get the most famous singers and dancers and hold the wedding in the most expensive hotels. It's ridiculous the amount of money people spend on weddings nowadays in a country where there are so many needy people. I would expect that your husband's family will throw a celebration of some sort when you go to visit them.

Congratulations again, and good luck.

Egyptian Wedding

Hello and congratulations. As for the 'ceremony' in the mosque. It will be Very short, 10 minutes at the most. The dowry (maher) is confirmed, a short khutba is read, the terms of the nikah (wedding contract) are agreed upon. The permission of the guardian of the wife is given. (now on this part im not sure of as youre not muslim) You may not even be in the same room. The only people required would be the Imam, 2 witness and the groom....My wife (egyptian by the way) never spoke, her father was asked if he gave permission, 2 witnesses sign the paper and that was that. it is tradition of the prophet (saws) to have a walima, or wedding dinner for the poor....and to announce to the comunity that you are married. If u dont want to have one, u can simply donate money to a Islamic charity for feeding some poor people....

Now as for when u get to Egypt another person was indeed correct it is VERY expensive, along with the other things they mentioned. It is Not Islamic at all. My wifes sister spent u.s. 35,000 which is literally like spending 100k on a wedding here. My wife and I did everything including ring etc, for under 1000.

Men and women Islamically should not be at the same wedding...ie; men have a get together and the women do too, but seperately....be prepared for some strange reactions when u get there. His family may be fine with it, but there almost always will be relatives who will grumble....nothing personal just not 'normal'....as they will worry about your past.

Many Islamic scholars say that indeed a muslim may marry a christian or a jew, but she must be pure, ie; a virgin. they will assume (of course None of My business) but they will assume that since youre from the west that youre not a virgin. Just a heads up...again congrats

This Site Might Help You.

RE:

Egyptian-Islamic Wedding Customs?

I pinged this in the Weddings Section and didn't get very much.

I'm the American Roman Catholic, he's the Egyptian Muslim. I've agreed to an Islamic ceremony in a Mosque here in the states, but am unfamiliar with the customs and practices around the ceremony. Any pointers,...

I can tell you just you need to cover your hair, take off your shoes inside the mosque if you'll be in the place where they pray. Low voice in general. You can dress a white dress or whatever covering all the body except face and hands. Simple marriage is the real Islamic marriag. Other details are not basic. It's better to have a light make up and simple beauty. It'll be useful if you get in contact with a married Muslim female to tell you about any other preparation.

Congratulation and wish you will post again when you arrive to Egypt.

We like to distribute party chocolates & sweets after the contracts are signed in the Masjed

Also we vedio tape it especially when you both say the acceptance of the marrige

it's a very simple ceremony filled of love & comitment

About Alexandria

I was born there & spent 28 years in it

It's amazing city you'll just love it

Alf Mabrook

the sea is wondrefull & the city will embarace you

go to montaza there is a fish resturante called Le Prince it's very romantic & the food is excelent, try to sit on the upper trace you'll see all Alex. shore from up there

I already answered you but I know it wasn't the answer you were looking for. I am curious however if you have to get married in a court too. I think most states make you do that but not all and I was just curious, if where you live you need to do that?

EDIT: --you're lucky the will except the imams signature with the witenesses...we couldn't do that here in TX

Farah. Adam & Wise Heart have all given information to you that i myself was going to, I have been married almost 15 years, my husband is also from Alexandria, our wedding party was lavish but instead of presents we asked for donations for Charity!!................... Congratulations to you both, I wish you a long, happy & properous life together!!!!

nothing to do just act as you are so as people love you if you are marrying in a mosque you know you have to wear a viel and something proper i think he'll tell you all about this and to eat if you are visiting alexandria you have to taste some popular dish called KOSHARI i love it so have a nice family and good kids and nothing to be worried about .....

Yutub