**Surprise, Surprise!!** Big Announcement

[petslover]

Congrats to you both.

[jenfer]

What a nice surprise! Congrats!!!

[Kater]

I'm sooo sooo happy for you, Poppy! Your fiance is a very lucky guy.
I will be thinking of you Sunday!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Wow!!! Another shocker since I've been away from PT!

Congratulations, Pops! I'm so excited for you!

Thanks for explaining how all the details. I was wondering how it all worked with Muslims since I had heard that most Muslim marriages are "arranged" and a lot of times the husband and wife don't even know each other before they meet during the ceremony. However, those are probably starting to be dated customs (meaning they're not followed much anymore) so it was interesting to read how things work now with the legal ceremony and then the actual wedding where you start your life together. Learning about others' customs is always interesting to me.

And he's a cat lover to boot! Way to go Pops! Can't wait to hear more details about the wedding, and of course pictures would be way too awesome, but I won't hold my breath....

[popcornbird]

Thanks for explaining how all the details. I was wondering how it all worked with Muslims since I had heard that most Muslim marriages are "arranged" and a lot of times the husband and wife don't even know each other before they meet during the ceremony.

That is actually a big misconception people have, as it isn't true at all. Its actually against the laws of Islam for a man and woman to be forced into marriage, or not be allowed to see/get to know each other before marriage. If a girl is forced to marry someone she doesn't wish to marry, the marriage contract is considered invalid. Both the guy and the girl have to want it. There are people who arrange marriages and force it on their kids, but that's not from Islam...its more a cultural thing, and done by people who are ignorant about their faith's teachings. It works more like...the parents help their kids find someone, or someone in the family/circle of friends refers someone to someone else. Then, the girl/guy get to know each other in an appropriate setting (in front of a third person...not alone), and if both wish to get married, they get married. If not, either man or woman is free to reject the 'marriage candidate'. I don't know why people think Muslims have their daughters marry anyone THEY want, without her consent, because that isn't true. That is a cultural thing that is done by SOME people in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, etc. despite their religion. It truly depends on the family, but when going by religious rules, the guy and girl have to get to know each other/make the decision for themselves, though the family helps/supports/plays a role in having a part in their kids' marriages. We have parental guidance, love, and support throughout the process. I personally 'like' having their guidance/advice in this, as they have more of a life experience than me, and thus, have more wisdom on what is better for me. He and I totally got to know each other well enough/made the decision without pressure from anyone else. I can't imagine marrying someone I didn't know or have feelings for... That's freaky. LOL! It doesn't work that way, unless the marriage is being done by people with WEIRD cultural traditions that are not derived from religion. There's no room for forced marriages in Islam. Its not allowed.

BTW...the marrying legally before living together is not a necessity. We'd be 'married' once we have the contract and can be together. Its just that some people feel more comfortable doing it this way, and in our case, its best that he finishes studying/has a job before we're together and ready to handle all the responsibilities that come with married life. It works both ways.

[MariaM]

Oh. My. Gosh. This is such a HUGE shocker! I am so blown away by this! Words can't describe how SHOCKED I am. My gosh, I am SO happy for you! Congratulations!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Popcornbird, I'm glad that you explained this more thoroughly because I also thought that most marriages were arranged. I think that the way you're doing it is a wonderful way to meet the right person and you also have your family helping you at the same time. I hope that you have a wonderful wedding this Sunday and that you and your fiance will have a great life together. Congrats!!!

[Cataholic]

This is exciting news. Very exciting! To think, in less than 5 days you will be a married woman-

It is kind of funny to me that anyone would ever believe Pops could be forced to marry, or even have a marriage 'arranged'. Knowing her how I do for these last 3 years- No one could make this Pops do anything! I know, I have tried...he he he.

Congrats, and blessings for eternity.