Well as some of you may know from my previous posts my bf/fiance from Alexandria and I have been talking about marriage for a few months now and we have finally set a date! It is happening very soon... at the beginning of September, about 1 week before Ramadan. We are having our wedding at an outdoor arboretum/garden and it should be really beautiful...
Thanks to everyone in Egyptian forum for answering all of my questions and giving me more insight and encouragement (for the most part)... All of your advice has been helpful and really appreciated and now I have something else that I am wondering about...
Since we are an interfaith couple (among inter-cultural, inter-racial) I don't know much about Islamic observances and since Ramadan is coming up about 10 days after our wedding, I have some questions about it...
2007-08-01 05:48:14 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Egypt
One of the things I have been wondering about today is what will happen exactly during Ramadan, and what specifically is it in observance of. I know fasting is part of the observance but what other traditions/customs go along with this? I am wondering if I should also fast during this time? I don't want to be left out of his traditions/holidays. I want to respect them as well since he is planning to observe mine... I haven't asked my husband-to-be what he feels about this yet but what do you think?
2007-08-01 05:49:41 · update #1
PS: If you are wondering I am from the US, Christian... he is from Alexandria, Muslim.
2007-08-01 05:51:17 · update #2
We are getting married here in the US, where we both live... We will be doing a traditional US ceremony and later signing a marriage contract, also here in the US...
2007-08-01 07:22:44 · update #3
Congratulations, I wish you both the best of luck. During Ramadan since you are not Moslem you are not going to fast, but it is expected to observe the rule of not eating , drinking or smoking in public. You can do that in your own kitchen, apt or hotel but not in the open. In Offices in Egypt during Ramadan the nonmoslims do not smoke or eat in front of moslims.
You can wear summer clothes but at least with half sleaves and skirts that cover half way between your knees and ankels.
I have nothing else now in mind, if I remember anything I will add it later, congratulations again.
You did not say if your marraiage contract will be signed in Alexandria or USA.
2007-08-01 06:00:24 · answer #1 · answered by Balsam 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
If you have not decided to convert to Islam then you should discuss with your fiance what he would like you to do to help him observe Ramadan.
You will have to get up very early to prepare and eat breakfast!
Depending on your fiance's strictness in observing the customs and tradition of Ramadan. It may be that you will have to make the most of the few days between your marriage and the beginning of Ramadan, as is is usual that abstinence from sexual intimacy is observed.
Even if you are not intending to except Islam as your faith and practise I would advise you to read as much as you can about the various observances and beliefs. All knowledge is good and it may help you adjust better as a married couple.
I shouldn't imagine that your fiance will mind answering any questions either on any aspect of Islam or its practise and beliefs.
I would write a list of all the questions and queries you have and sit down with him and discuss it.
It will defiantly help to know the traditions and have a good working knowledge if Islamic culture and belief when you get to meet the in-laws. Especially those of the older generation.
This will be my first observance of Ramadan and I must admit even though I like to think I have prepared myself. I am a bit worried that I will be able to deal with the fasting.
I can relate to how excited you are feeling.
My congratulations to you both.
2007-08-02 01:02:46 · answer #2 · answered by sistablu...Maat 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Congratulations
There is a section in Y/A for Ramadan specially. You can also start to post questions here about it and we will answer you. The most important that you remember no sex from sunrise til sunset, no eating, drinking or smoking in public or in front of your expected fasting husband. He will take only 2 meals one late at night before sunrise anyway. the second we call it breakfast which directly after sunset. Ramadan is an occasion for more religious effort for Muslims and a month for training of the control of many things. Fasting Muslims also are supposed achieve certain rules and morals during Ramadan which needs a longer answer to explain.
Good luck.
2007-08-01 09:53:02 · answer #3 · answered by Wise Heart 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Fasting is for the believing men and women of Islam it is not cultural or traditional. It is an Islamic obligation ,it is a pillar of Islam and Muslim must do it. You should take the time and explore Islam more. You are now entering a relationship with a Muslim man and also with Islam. I think that if you fast maybe it will open your heart to understand and believe more things within Islam. If you really want to make a difference and fit in to you soon to be hubby's atmosphere maybe you should consider Islam as your own religion. In order for you fast to count you have to believe and testify that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is his messenger. I hope this helps you and May Allah Guide you to Islam ameen. Also this is not intended to turn you away from Islam or to be rude or harsh to you, I hope that maybe one day that it can help to turn your heart toward Islam.
2007-08-01 06:17:06 · answer #4 · answered by ummtasneem 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I definitely do not know all benefits that marriage confers on the spouse, bit believe me that without a marriage it makes life much more difficult. Typical things might be: 1. Intestate inheritance 2. Protection of combined estate 3. Visitation rights in hospitals etc. There are so many, and one only realises that you do not have the right when you want to do something and are told SORRY ONLY FAMILY.
2016-04-01 06:45:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually during Ramadan, there is fasting and Abstinence. In the case of your Honey moon, I would discreetly seek advice, so that your time may be pleasent with out a nagging "if I am doing the right thing" worry in the back of your conscience.
Salaam a lakim and peace, blessings and joy on your day.
2007-08-01 06:44:52 · answer #6 · answered by Mars 1 saturn 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
congratulations to both of you. i understand that you will get married in the States. in that case all the advice given have to be qualified. as long as you are Christian , you dont have to observe the rules of fasting. BUT YOU HAVE TO OBSERVE THAT YOUR HUSBAND IS FASTING, ie., he will stop eating and drinking as well as being intimate with you from sunrise till sunset. but from sunset till sunrise you are both free to live your lives as you do in any other days. most important , he shouldnt drink at any time bec he is moslem. but if he isnt observing this rule during the year, he cannot touch drinks specifically in Ramadan. you will ask, why these rules? God has set these rules about eating, drinking, and fasting in Ramadan because he wants everyone to try being deprived of simple pleasures to know how the poor suffer . this makes the well off emphatise with those who cant afford food all the year. this makes them see that they have obligations towards the poor. sex is not allowed during daytime because a moslem is abstaining from whatever is giving him pleasure. about drinking, it is prohibited all the time because it makes a person lose his head , so it is harmful, even in small quantities. inRamadan esp., this prohibition is more strict bec we all want to please God more than ever, we want Him to forgive our sins so that we can go to heaven in the hereafter. read about Islam so that you can understand the religion better and have more in common with him.i wish you both a happy life together.
2007-08-01 11:23:48 · answer #7 · answered by Moonrise 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Congratulations.
You don't have to fast if you choose not to fast then just don't eat in front of others who are fasting, as it could be seen as disrespectful. If you want to fast then go ahead I'm sure they will be pleased that you are exploring your husbands faith doesn't mean you are converting or need to convert but its a nice gesture to show respect to their faith.
Hope you have a really nice day and enjoy the rest of your lives together congratulations one again. xxx
2007-08-01 08:25:30 · answer #8 · answered by Crazy girl 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
All i need to say is congratulations to you both & wish you everything you wish yourself! Everyone else has said what you need to know so i won't repeat!
I am converting to islam & will be taking part in ramadan this year. I too will be marrying here & in england next year! Enshallah!
2007-08-01 12:12:53 · answer #9 · answered by Donna 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Congratulations! I really feel happy for you.. True love has power to exceed barriers, cultures, and places.. :)
About your question, you should consider not eating in public.. It will be ok if you eat in your house, but it would be nice to eat with him in iftar time...
Hmmmm, usually Egyptian families invite their relatives for iftar.. So, expect to be invited and to invite people in your house as well.. :)
I think you’ll find Ramdan in Egypt really interesting... It’s something to experience yourself.. I know you’ll like it :)
Congratulations, once again :):)
2007-08-01 06:24:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋