I am marrying a Catholic woman. Can I conduct my marriage ceremony in the church?
Question
I am a Muslim man and I want to marry a catholic woman so I was wondering if it is permissible for us to have our wedding ceremony in the church and then we will head to the mosque?
Answer
Islam is a religion of tolerance and wants from its adherents to set a fine example of coexistence and harmony in dealing with the communities in which they live. For a Muslim, generally entering a church is not prohibited unless a disfavored act is being committed. Sheikh Shehab al Din al Ramli in his commentaries on the book (Asna al Matalib) said “it is impermissible for the Muslim to enter churches without taking a verbal or customary permission from the church he/ she wants to enter because people in the church may feel that Muslims are unwanted or unwelcomed in the church.
As for conducting the marriage contract in a church where the bridegroom is a Muslim is not prohibited as long as the marriage contract fulfills all the conditions and elements which deem it valid and losing any of the necessary conditions or elements makes the contract invalid. Also in the case of performing any rituals which go against the Islamic teachings this act is prohibited and would make the contract invalid.
Therefore there is no legal impediment to go with your wife to the church to please her and her family and to show your care and compassion for her as long as you are not involved in any rituals which go against the Islamic teachings.