The last two weekends Judith and I have been guests at a friend's daughter's wedding. They are Muslim so the wedding takes place over several events spread over about 10 days. It was a great experience, lots of people having a great time, and of course fantastic food (there's not a lot I won't do for a decent curry!) Interesting to compare and contrast to 'our' weddings - some similar traditions, some that were new to me. Like trying to take something, preferably money, but a shoe will do, off the groom. Or everyone feeding wedding cake to the bride and groom.
The wedding service (there was a civil marriage some days beforehand) seems to take place in 2 parts. A ceremony with the Imam and the bride in a private room then another in the main room with Imam and the groom (to be honest I couldn't hear much of it). Then with much celebration the bride is brought into the main room and presented to the groom.
A big difference is that over the two events there was not one drop of alcohol consumed. Now hang on... didn't I say up there people had a "great time"? Is that possible without the imbibing of intoxicating liquids? Well, yes it would appear so. Contrast our white christian (small c) British culture where it is assumed the drinks have to be alcoholic for enjoyment to be possible, to the extent that the word 'drink' in certain contexts = 'alcoholic drink'. As someone who has had his manhood questioned BY FELLOW CHRISTIANS when ordering a soft drink in a pub I think this is a big problem in the Church also. I'm not teetotal, but I wonder if in these days of binge and alco-fuelled violence if we can learn something from the Muslim community and be more ready to challenge the cultural assumption behind "are you having a drink?"
