Pakistani/American wedding? He's Pakistani, I am not. Nikah.

Welcome Sama'tha! I am not doing Nikah or an intercultural wedding. If I may ask, what is Nikah?

Nikah in laymen terms is a religious marriage contract between the bride and groom. Ours will be simplified due to the fact that it will be only his aunts, uncles and cousin in attendance. Usually the brides family will ask for a dowry, etc from the grooms family and if the grooms family wish for the marriage to happen then they oblige the brides family's wishes/demands. It also ensures that our marriage was done Islamicaly. Some of the requirements are that the man must be employed and both bride and groom have been chaste and if not have repented prior to nikah. I will have my Wali (my brother) to give me away and the Imman to officiate our open ceremony. Usually Nikahs are done in private and then a huge celebration but now they are becoming more open.

Weddings in Pakistan are a big deal and they usually have five days of huge celebrations etc. It's not unknown for families to wait years until they can afford to throw lavish daily celebrations. We wont be but its ok. :]

Welcome to WW! I am doing an informal contract with only 2 witness, no Nikah. It will be intercultural (Turkish and American).

Salam I'm having a nikah and an inter cultural wedding lol. We're both Muslim (different ethnic backvrounds). We have a wayyyyy more complex situation than i can say here but thank God we have worked on it and both of our families are giving us their blessings. So we're not semi-eloping. Lol. I like how you put that his parents are being ignorant.

In any case, I hope it all comes together for the best for you and your fh. InshaAllah.

Oh also, never hesitate to inbox me if you need to ask anything, opinions, vent-buddy. This place is wonderful for wedding related ideas. Wa'salam sister.

Walikumsalaam Saba, It's very complicated here too. Which is why we waited for some time but we know in our hearts that Allah has intended us to be together. I will be in-boxing you for sure! I am happy that I checked back on this thread! Thank you sister for chiming in on my post! :]

I am having an inter cultural wedding. I am Pakistani he is Puerto Rican. We are not having a Nikkah though. He is learning Islam and I will not force him to convert. I understand how hard it could be!! Best of luck!

Saba....your story sounds like an echo of mine. I'm doing a nikkah, but I'm not sure about the actual reception anymore. It helps to know that I'm not alone in this journey. I know that I have made the right decision, but I'm still sad about the way my family is reacting. My sister is very supportive, as are his family (catholics), and all of our friends. We have known each other for 15 yrs, and are very happy. I just wish the most important people in my life could feel the same way. =(

PM....if you guys ever want to swap stories.

I am having an Intercultural Nikah in February. He is Pakistani and I am bi-racial Black and White from Minnesota. Neither family approved at first, mine has come around and accepted him and have become quite fond of him, but his family still does not approve and will not be present at the wedding. It's been difficult trying to plan as I am trying to blend cultures as much as possible, but I dont have any Pakistani women around to help . Inshallah his family will come around and see that we are happy and very much in love.

I am still having a great time planning, my friends and family are getting very excited and everything is going to be just as we want it!

Hi Sama'tha,

I have experience in filming interfaith weddings and generally brides do have their Nikkah done even if marrying other cultures (for islamic purposes). Although you can choose to have it home and not necessarily has to done in front of all the wedding reception guests.

Tahmena i am also in the same boat. I am Pakistani and he is Puertorican my parents dont approve. He does not want to convert and i am understanding of that as he isnit asking me to convert either. It is hard because his familyhas accepted me and are excited. Im tholdest of 3 and my sister is already married but had a small 1 day rushed wedding.