Muslim/Pagan Interfaith Wedding

I just gotta comment that I find it interesting the two faiths, I'm pagan as well but my FH is atheist. It sounds like they would be hard faiths to find, when p say interfaith they usually mean christian, jewish or other mostly mainstream. Are you trying to include your faiths specifically or would a general spiritual idea work? I think they might not know how to intermingle the two so just stop responding

Yeah, we're trying to represent both faiths together, which is probably the problem. But we're both very spiritual and have always wanted to show the unity of Islam and Paganism with our wedding. We don't need them to be part of our faiths, obviously, just willing to work with us. Blah.

Would you be willing to have two people officiating like where there is a priest and a rabbi?

I wouldn't mind that. Problem is I'm not sure I could find an Imam willing to do it. Not many are too fond of the idea, from what I've noticed.

@SnowQueen is right. The chances of you finding someone that is familiar with both of those religions is going to be next to impossible. I would recommend either having 2 or have one along with having a family member or friend perform a reading.

Yeah I wasn't sure how fond the religious figures in Islam are about interfaith couples. Does you FH have someone he is close with who might overlook it? It might cost but it might be worth having someone from home who knows you both.

Fly me there.

OP, I'm not sure how much you know about a Muslim wedding ceremony, but it's very different from what you're imagining if you're thinking of having two people officiate. And, no, a Muslim Imam will not marry a Muslim and a non-Muslim. Sorry!

OP can you explain what aspects of each you want to highlight?

Lara a Muslim man can marry a nonmuslim woman, but not vice versa

@Celia, have you ever done an interfaith wedding like this?

We didn't have any trouble finding one in Florida that was willing to do a little hint of Lutheran for my side and be okay with the fact that my FH is Hindu. But we are having an additional ceremony just for the Hindu part. I'm not familiar with a Muslim wedding but if it's anything like the lengthy multiple hour long Hindu ceremony than you probably need a priest of that religion is familiar with the ceremony.

We're not too big on tradition, we mostly just want to represent unity of the faiths. For example a handfasting to represent Paganism, along with the more traditional ring exchange to represent Islam. Readings, etc. And yes, Imams can marry a Muslim man to a non-Muslim woman, but still frown upon Pagans so we knew from the beginning it wouldn't be an option.

This is fascinating. I don't have anything new to add here, but I just wanted to say that I would love to see your wedding!

Yes Paganism is one of the oldest religions LOL Most of the catholic traditions are based on Pagan rites/rituals actually

I don't know if you're willing to do this or not since you're both spiritual, but have you thought about finding someone who is ordained but isn't religious? We found a family friend who isn't really religious (neither of us really are) but is willing to say whatever you would like them to. If you both know what your religions require at weddings, you could talk to a non religious person who is ordained and ask them to say specific things that brings out both of your beliefs. I hope that makes sense!

Could you look for an officiant who is not the leader of a religious congregation? Maybe finding someone more neutral who can incorporate elements of both would be easier?

I second Samantha's suggestion. Look for an officiant who doesn't belong to a specific denomination, instead of interfaith, and give them the elements that you want them to incorporate. Think readings, specific rituals, etc. Maybe they'd be more responsive if it looks like they'll have to do minimum research for either one of the religions.

Also, have you tried contacting pagan (non-interfaith) officiants? Maybe they would be open to incorporate two or three Muslim elements into the wedding. But again, be very specific about the rituals or readings you want them to do, so that they don't think they'll suddenly have to become an expert in Islam.

I was the faculty advisor at my school for the Muslim Student Association for years. Yeah, an Imam won't touch this.

Out of curiosity, how does his family feel about this? And where is his family from?

Thanks so much for everyone's advice! I'm going to look into a lot of these!

@E-Tex, he has no parents and the rest are super supportive, with the exception of one brother who won't be coming to the wedding since he doesn't approve of it. They're not close so FH just told him off, haha. They're all American.

Celia for the win!