MUSLIMS 101
Perspectives on Muslim Life, Politics and Culture
What Muslim Americans Have to Say
(featuring Mohammad & Ferdaus from "Muslims in Love")
MUSLIM LOVE LINGO
Allah
A term used by Arabic-speakers of all Abrahamic faiths, including Christians and Jews in reference to God.
Deen
Way of life.
Marriage Talks
Formal meetings that single Muslims undertake in the presence of their families or friends to decide if the two parties are ready for marriage and if they are suitable partners for each other. This usually involves a series of in-depth interviews.
Kitab or Nikkah
The Islamic marriage contract between a bride and a groom. This requires the consent of both parties, and allows both parties to add conditions (division of household duties, grounds for divorce, mutual expectations).
Istikhara
A prayer to seek God's guidance before any important decision. A part of the prayer asks God, "Oh Knower of Hidden Things... if this matter is good for my religion, my livelihood and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge, this matter is bad for my religion, my livelihood and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it. And ordain for me the good wherever it may be, and make me content with it."
MARRIAGE TALKS:
The Tough Questions
From "Before the Wedding: Questions for Muslims to ask Before Getting Married"
by Munira Lekovic Ezzeldine
- Why do you feel you are ready to get married?
- What is your perception of the wife's role? The husband's role?
- Does your family keep secrets? Are there any that you are holding that would affect your marriage?
- Do you smoke cigarettes?
- Have you always lived with your parents? Have you ever lived alone or with roommates?
- Are you comfortable shaking hands with the opposite sex?
- Do you consider yourself thrifty or extravagant when it comes to spending?
- Can you cook? Who do you feel is responsible for cooking? Going grocery shopping?
- What qualities do your parents expect in your future spouse?
- What annoys you? Do you get annoyed easily?
- How do you feel about the wife wearing hijab?
- Do you want children? How many?
- Have you ever been bankrupt?
- How accepting are you of people with other religious beliefs?
- How do you think your marriage will enhance your relationship with Allah?