My Reflections by Dr. Mike Ghouse
Welcome to My Reflections, a personal journal by Dr. Mike Ghouse — founder of InterfaithMarriages.org and lifelong advocate for pluralism, harmony, and understanding among all faiths.
Through these reflections, Dr. Ghouse shares moments from the weddings he officiates, his thoughts on love that transcends religion, and experiences that celebrate the beauty of our shared humanity. Each note captures a story — a smile, a prayer, a union — that reminds us that love is universal and faith is deeply personal.
Over the years, Dr. Ghouse has had the honor of uniting hundreds of interfaith and intercultural couples from around the world. His reflections here are more than words — they are glimpses into real lives where compassion triumphs over difference, and where two traditions meet in mutual respect.
In a world often divided by belief, My Reflections stands as a gentle reminder that pluralism is not about converting others, but about understanding them. Each post is a window into how faiths can come together — not in conflict, but in celebration of the divine diversity within us all.
588th Interfaith Marriage | Muslim-Jewish Wedding
2nd Disney Destination Wedding
The Rabbi and I officiated this beautiful interfaith marriage between a Jewish groom and a Muslim bride. Collaborating with diverse religious leaders, including those from Hindu, Catholic, and Protestant backgrounds, has strengthened my ability to create meaningful ceremonies. This experience will inspire confidence in couples seeking an inclusive officiation.
It was my 34th Jewish-Muslim wedding and 7th co-officiated with a Rabbi, a part of serving with Pandits, Pastors, Rabbis and others. The statistics is at
Marriage Statistics: Co-officiating with Rabbis, Pastors, Fathers, Priests, Pundits, Imams, and other religious leaders.
Interestingly, both ceremonies were identical, featuring similar blessings. I officiated first, and then the Rabbi took his turn, which I observed closely. The ceremonies were conducted in English, with insertions of Arabic and Hebrew.
The Muslim Nikah contract is similar to Jewish Ketubah; in fact, Muslims also refer to it as a Ketubah. We crafted a memorable moment out of the signing of the documents, with the groom’s and the bride’s close relatives having relaxed conversations.
We all sat around a long table to sign the documents, accompanied by the Wali and two witnesses. Both documents needed two witnesses. The Muslim witnesses can be any two individuals, whereas the Jewish witnesses have to be non-relatives. There is a reliable value in both traditions, the Rabbi said, if there is a dispute between the couple, a relative’s witness would be biased. In the Muslim tradition, one must tell the truth, even if it goes against oneself or one’s family; truth is a higher value to be upheld to build secure societies.
I particularly enjoyed this part. As I explained the Muslim Ketubah, the Rabbi explained the Jewish Ketubah. At the end, he recited a Jewish prayer referencing Abraham, to which I responded with the Darood-e-Ibrahimi, or Darood Shariff. This is an inclusive prayer honoring Prophet Abraham and his progeny, including Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them).
The wedding took place at a beautiful resort spread over hundreds of acres within the Disney compound in Orlando.
Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, with locations such as Cancun, Tulum, Cozumel, Mexico City, Canada, Scotland, England, Iceland, and Spain among the favorites.
One challenge I encounter with destination weddings is the quick turnaround—landing in the morning, performing the wedding, and returning in the evening. I am actively working to ensure that the experience is as memorable as the ceremony itself. My goal is to make destination weddings more immersive and enjoyable for everyone involved, including my wife, Fatima.
I have also earned a spot as a wedding officiant at Disney, and they have featured my photo officiating a previous wedding. This recognition reflects my commitment to excellence, and I hope it reassures prospective clients of my professionalism and dedication.
With 30 years of experience at the Center for Pluralism, conducting workshops, giving lectures, and writing about 12 religions and multiple denominations, I am well-equipped to craft ceremonies that honor diverse backgrounds, making clients feel understood and respected.
Mike Ghouse
Here is a note from the couple,
Salam Mike,
I hope you are doing well. My husband and I wanted to extend our deepest gratitude for officiating our Nikah and for making it one of the most memorable days of our lives. The ceremony was more beautiful and heartfelt than we ever imagined, and we are truly thankful for the care and sincerity you brought to it.
Everyone who attended — including our parents — went home extremely happy. My friends were also so impressed that one of them even asked for your contact information so they could reach out to you for their own Wedding.
Thank you once again for being such an essential part of our special day. We are genuinely grateful.
Warm regards,
Saima and Mushtaq
587th Wedding: 60th Nikah
It’s the 60th Nikah (between two Muslims) among the 587 weddings; the others are interfaith, between 12 different religions, 95 ethnicities, and all four races. More stats at
Marriage Statistics: Co-officiating with Rabbis, Pastors, Fathers, Priests, Pundits, Imams, and other religious leaders.
Although both individuals are Muslims, they come from two different traditions. It took two conversations with each set of parents for them to accept the relationship. I approach everything I do with full commitment and see it through to the end. I have officiated Nikah ceremonies across major Muslim denominations (madhabs), including Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Ismaili, Ahmadi, and Sufi, and there may be others that I am not yet familiar with.
Nikah signifies the union of two individuals. God loves for people to marry and live in harmony, and I would like to share the verse from the Quran (30:21).
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
“And among His signs is that He created mates for you from among yourselves so that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you love and compassion. In these are signs for people who reflect.” (Quran 30:21)
Mike Ghouse
Reflections: 586th Wedding in Orlando, Florida
A special thanks to the groom’s Egyptian family and friends, as well as the bride’s English and Colombian friends, who honored the mosque’s traditions. The groom’s parents, originally from Egypt, incorporated several Egyptian customs into the ceremony. One such tradition involved reciting the 99 names of God (with 99 symbolizing infinity), each representing an attribute of the divine. Additionally, Nasheeds—poetry that praises the merciful messages of the Prophet—were played at the beginning and end of the ceremony.
As the Nasheeds played, the groom entered with his parents, followed by the bridesmaids, the groom’s men, and lastly, the bride with her parents. The bride’s Catholic family honored the Mosque tradition by covering their hair, just as Mother Mary did.
This was the 59th Nikah ceremony I officiated between two Muslims. Some participants were born Muslim, while others had converted after studying intensely about Islam and reading articles on our website and in the book “American Muslim Agenda.” It is important to note that no one should convert solely for marriage, as Islam forbids conversion by compulsion. One of the strongest values in Islam is truthfulness, which is emphasized in 852 verses of the Quran. The importance of truthfulness remains relevant even after marriage.
Since the bride was raised in this tradition, it was a joy to incorporate elements of Christian values into the Nikah ceremony. Islam is not a new religion; it shares teachings that have been passed down through Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them). This universality can be found in all religions, including a belief in a creator who initiated the universe, accountability for one’s actions—where no one escapes the outcome—adherence to values that promote inner peace and harmony, and the importance of caring for one another. By getting to know each other, we can diminish conflicts and foster peace. God loves us and expresses that love through values like truthfulness, which brings us peace and tranquility.
Truth is one of the most sacred values in Islam and is perhaps the most enduring virtue found across all religions, social systems, and governance models. The well-being of any society is sustained by truth alone. Truth serves as the solid foundation upon which secure communities are built. For more about this, visit: [Truthfulness in Islam].
India’s emblem includes the phrase “Satyameva Jayate,” which means “Truth Triumphs” and reflects a notion similar to our own emblem, “E Pluribus Unum.”
Out of the 586 weddings I have officiated, 59 were between Muslims. Some of the stats are included in Your Rabbi, Imam, Pastor or Pundit for Interfaith Marriages – Wedding Statistics
Mike Ghouse
585th Wedding: 9th Bohra Wedding
This is my ninth Bohra wedding, and I’ve traveled by train to various cities for most of them, including New Haven, New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. My first wedding was a Bohra and Hindu ceremony in Chicago, followed by a Bohra and Christian wedding in Farmington, a wedding in Austin, and now this ninth ceremony in Langhorne, PA, which was again a Bohra Muslim-Christian event.
In a unique twist, the bride had the Duwa and benediction read by their mothers, while the fathers lit the unity candles. The Unity Candle ceremony symbolizes not only the union of the bride and groom but also the joining of their families. This interfaith ceremony included verses from 1 Corinthians, the Lord’s Prayer, and teachings from Jesus about marriage. It also featured role models from the Muslim faith—Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Bibi Khadija.
A common custom in all Bohra ceremonies is the Aarti, where a silver plate holding a small diya (flame) is moved in a circular motion in front of the bride and groom. This practice is meant to ward off the evil eye and bring peace and prosperity to the couple.
The groom’s family has roots in Mexico, while the bride’s family is from Tanzania. The groom’s family settled in Austin about 150 years ago, while the bride’s family moved to New York around 50 years ago.
The wedding took place in their living room, and I appreciate these smaller, more relaxed celebrations.
For dinner, they served Gujarati food, which I have come to enjoy, although I was surprised by its spiciness. Normally, I rush to the airport immediately after the ceremony, but on this occasion, I had two hours to catch the train in Trenton, NJ, so I joined the family for dinner. During the meal, the bride’s father shared fascinating details about Tanzania, including a massive crater 250 feet deep and several miles in diameter, home to various animals and even some tree-top homes. They communicated in Swahili, Gujarati, some Urdu-Hindi, and much English. Interestingly, Swahili incorporates several Arabic and Urdu-Hindi words, and it also shares similarities with Spanish.
Both the bride and groom were tall; he stood at 6 feet, and she was 5 feet 10 inches—what a beautiful couple! They are also among the most compatible couples I noticed during my first Zoom meeting.
Mike Ghouse
Reflections: 584th Wedding
Each wedding is designed to be unique, reflecting the couple’s personal faith and culture. A highlight of this wedding was that a Jewish woman, a friend of the bride, organized the entire event in her backyard. A wooden deck was constructed to provide a flat surface in the uneven backyard, leading down to a stream. Additionally, the bride led the Asr (evening) prayer.
About 75 guests sat on the ground, with carpets and sheets spread over the grass, and the bride had sourced beautiful pillows for everyone to sit on. Each of the bride’s friends contributed a dish for a late lunch, creating a delicious variety of food for everyone to enjoy
Mike Ghouse
583rd Wedding: 18th Sikh-Muslim Wedding
Officiating my eighteenth Sikh-Muslim wedding continues to bring me joy, as it allows for the thoughtful integration of Sikh, Muslim, and civic traditions into a cohesive interfaith ceremony.
Punjabi weddings are traditionally elaborate, often spanning three days. The groom typically arrives on a white horse during the Baraat/procession, accompanied by family and friends who dance along the route. Increasingly, other South Asian communities from the Indian subcontinent are adopting this vibrant format, even if the horse is not always included.
Approximately 250 guests attended the two back-to-back ceremonies. The first was the Nikah ceremony, which I officiated. In the Muslim tradition, Nikah signifies the union of two souls, as described in the Quran. Following the Nikah, the Anand Karaj, or blissful union, was conducted by the Gyani Saheb in accordance with Sikh tradition. I value the feedback received from both Muslim and Sikh families and friends; for many, this was their first experience with a Muslim-Sikh interfaith marriage, and they expressed appreciation for the clarity and inclusivity of the event. Celebrating together fosters a sense of shared joy and community.
I dedicate time to interviewing each couple to understand their preferences and early perceptions of marriage. I present various ceremony options, and together we select elements that best reflect their values as we prepare the script.
Often, I include parents in the discussions, as it is not only the union of the bride and groom but also their families.
Guests often express appreciation for my officiating style, noting that it is frequently the first time they have fully understood a ceremony. I prioritize clarity by explaining each step in accessible language, ensuring that participants of all ages remain engaged. Testimonials from attendees on the website further demonstrate my commitment to creating meaningful and inclusive ceremonies.
Mike Ghouse
582nd Wedding: What sets this wedding apart?
Many attendees, who primarily spoke Telugu, were experiencing a Muslim Nikah ceremony for the first time—though a few had attended such ceremonies before. They noted that, whether at a Hindu or a Muslim wedding, the officiant would often recite prayers in Sanskrit or Arabic without explanation.
Guests appreciated that the ceremony began with a clear one-minute summary, followed by explanations for each step. This clarified the meaning behind each action or phrase, helping everyone understand the purpose. People took away different things: some enjoyed the humor throughout, while others valued the explanations of the ten steps and the connections made between the Bhagavad Gita and the Quran.
At the end, both mothers recited from their scriptures, while the groom’s father recited the Gayatri Mantra, and the bride’s father recited Sura Ikhlas—since both passages have identical meanings repeated three times—and then I translated the verses. This approach helped illustrate the shared monotheistic beliefs. For further insight, consider the question: Is Hinduism a monotheistic religion?
As of 11/4, I have officiated 582 weddings, including 195 Christian-Muslim, 186 Hindu-Muslim, 67 Muslim-Muslim, 33 Jewish-Muslim, 17 Sikh-Muslim, 9 Buddhist-Muslim, 7 Hindu-Christian, 7 Agnostic-Hindu, 5 Atheist-Muslim, 4 Bahai-Muslim, 3 Jewish-Christian, 3 Jain-Muslim, 3 Bahai-Hindu, and one Zoroastrian-Muslim.
The 582nd interfaith wedding took place in Houston, Texas.
Mike Ghouse
Speaking with Families
Meeting with Nana: Reflections on Faith and Sharia
The meeting with your Nana (maternal grandfather) clarified his views on the central distinctions between Wahdaniyat (God’s Oneness) and the differences he identified between Sharia Muhammadi, Sharia Esa, and Sharia Musa.
Insights from Interfaith Conversations
From conversations with over 650 families of diverse backgrounds, I summarize here key reflections drawn from interfaith discussions, especially with Hindu and Muslim families.
Shared Beliefs and Universal Values
Your Nana fully agreed with the basic requirements of faith:
Belief in God
Accountability for one’s deeds (the Day of Judgment)
Caring for fellow human beings
I shared Muhammad Asad’s exegesis of verse 2:262 — “Who is a Muslim and What is Islam”, located at the Interfaith Marriages site.
Clarifying Sharia Requirements in Nikah Ceremonies
He asked for specific Sharia requirements will be met, which are integrated in our Nikah and Nikah+ ceremonies. These are:
Free will, Family blessings, Common Sense gift known as Mahr..Ijab o Qabool (acceptance of each other as husband and wife, Relevant signature, Sermon, Duwa/Prayer, Public announcement, and Walima/reception.
We then tailor the ceremony to honor the couple’s own traditions, ensuring all attendees understand its meaning.
Faith, Shahadah, and Sincerity
He wanted the groom to take Shahadah as a pledge. I stressed the sincerity of faith, the absence of compulsion, and truthfulness as foundational principles of Islam.
Truthfulness remains a core value in Islam, as further explained at the World Muslim Congress.
Prophet’s advice: “Become a model Muslim, inspiring others to emulate, and not by pressure.”
Shared Acceptance Among Traditionalists
Surprisingly, the traditionalist Nana accepted the idea that God sends Prophets, Avatars, Tirthankaras, Shamans, Gurus, Peacemakers, and Guides to humanity across nations and times, and agreed to a simple acknowledgement that Muhammad (pbuh) was the last prophet in the line of the prophets in Islam, which the couple had agreed to.
Blessing and Closing Reflection
Finally, he blessed the couple with a Duwa (prayer) — Sura Ikhlas (a chapter from the Quran).
Interestingly, it is similar to the Gayatri Mantra, symbolizing harmony between faiths.
Mike Ghouse
Wedding & Nikah Officiant
581st Wedding: Marriage in Toronto
Sunday, October 26, 2025, Toronto, Canada. Today, I officiated my 581st interfaith marriage in Canada. It has become a familiar part of my life. The flight was quick —I was on and off the plane in just an hour and a half. Unless I’m traveling to the West Coast, from Vancouver to San Diego, and everywhere in between, I usually fly in and out on the same day.
I was excited when I saw the wedding hall setup. There were about seven round tables on each side, and right in the center was a flower screen where the bride and groom would sit facing each other. There was also a spot for me to stand or sit. It was one of the best arrangements I’ve seen. I could face both the bride and groom, with my back to the wall instead of the guests. I even took a video to use as an example for future weddings.
The flower screen is an old tradition among some Hindu and Muslim families. A long time ago, marriages were arranged, and the bride and groom did not meet until the wedding. In the old days, they used a designer cloth screen that came off when the baraat (groom’s party) arrived; the groom was teased with questions or a ransom was demanded, upon which he got to see the bride for the first time. The other option is “Mu Dikhaee,” which is when the couple accepts each other as husband and wife, uttering the word Qabool (I do), and the groom lifts the veil of the bride through a mirror and sees her for the first time.
But the new trend among Muslims is that the groom will walk through the screen upon saying ‘Qabool’.
Every wedding is planned with the couple in mind, respecting their cultures, religions, and preferences. I always encourage them to include some traditions their parents value. After all, a wedding brings together not just the bride and groom, but also their families and friends.
Fatima & Mike Ghouse
The flower screen is an old tradition among some Hindu and Muslim families. A long time ago, marriages were arranged, and the bride and groom did not meet until the wedding. In the old days, they used a designer cloth screen that came off when the baraat (groom’s party) arrived; the groom was teased with questions or a ransom was demanded, upon which he got to see the bride for the first time. The other option is “Mu Dikhaee,” which is when the couple accepts each other as husband and wife, uttering the word Qabool (I do), and the groom lifts the veil of the bride through a mirror and sees her for the first time.
But the new trend among Muslims is that the groom will walk through the screen upon saying ‘Qabool’.
Every wedding is planned with the couple in mind, respecting their cultures, religions, and preferences. I always encourage them to include some traditions their parents value. After all, a wedding brings together not just the bride and groom, but also their families and friends.
Fatima & Mike Ghouse
580th Wedding: It's Philadelphia for the 7th time
It’s Philadelphia for the 7th time and the 20th wedding in Pennsylvania. Fatima and I enjoyed traveling on the train.
Unlike many other weddings where the clergy recites scriptures in Arabic, Sanskrit, or Latin, I ensure everyone understands the ceremony. Every word from Arabic or Sanskrit is translated and explained in English, making the ceremony accessible to all while respecting religious traditions.
I enjoy writing the full script to include the values and traditions of the couple’s faiths and cultures. It is a union of the couple, families, and friends. The couple and I revise the script to reflect both families’ values. In the end, it is what the couple and families want.
I love this bride. Over the past two years, we have worked together, and she has made over 10 changes, even on the train. I usually do not print updates; instead, I handwrite additions and changes. When I entered the hall, the bride’s mother was waiting for me. We reviewed the ceremony together. She said she had read the script but wanted to add more, and they were good suggestions that I incorporated in the last minute.
During the ceremony, I watch the bride, groom, and their parents to understand their nonverbal cues. My goal is for everyone to enjoy the ceremony.
Fatima & Mike Ghouse
579th Wedding: Timeless Quran
The timeless Quran encourages individuals to live in the present and guides them to see the universe as a unified whole when its verses are interpreted in today’s context. I have witnessed this transformation repeatedly with nearly 300 Muslim families out of the 650 families I have spoken with. These families range from conservative parents to Sharia teachers, including those from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Ethiopia, Yemen, Cambodia, Indonesia, and other nations of the world.
They agree that the Quran is about progressive values aimed at fostering cohesive societies. Most of them recognize that it does not prohibit their children from marrying non-Muslims. It is God who instills love between two souls from among the 8.5 billion of us, so that individuals can come together and live in tranquility, peace, and harmony.
Alhamdulillah—praise the Lord for His blessings, as He makes extraordinary things happen. I am grateful to be an instrument in opening people’s hearts and minds to one another, fostering harmony and tranquility.
Today, I officiated my 579th interfaith wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina. Of the 579 weddings, 193 are Christian-Muslim unions, 185 are Hindu-Muslim marriages, 67 are Nikahs between two Muslims, 33 are Jewish-Muslim marriages, 17 are Sikh-Muslim marriages, 9 Buddhist marriages, and there are other combinations such as Hindu-Christian, Hindu-Jewish, Jewish-Christian, and those with no particular faith. Thus far, we have celebrated weddings among 80 ethnicities, 11 religions, and all races.
578th Wedding: Flower Screen
Flower screens at weddings where one of the spouses is Muslim are becoming increasingly common, with approximately every fourth wedding now featuring this element. This trend was not prominent before COVID-19, but since Amazon introduced affordable silk flower options, many couples have started opting for it.
Historically, marriages were often arranged, and the bride and groom would see each other for the first time on their wedding day. The tradition of using a screen between them during the ceremony allows for a dramatic reveal when the screen is removed to celebrate their union.
This was the best setup, I was facing the couple with my back to the audience. It was a narrow hall with the couple and me in the center.
Mike Ghouse
Weddings at Lincoln Memorial 576 weddings between 11 faiths, 80 ethnicities, all races, across America and Canada, and destination weddings.
MY DREAM WEDDING
One of the grooms wrote, “Thank you so much. The ceremony was wonderful, and it really meant something to me, which says a lot because I’m not religious.”
During the 475th and 476th weddings I officiated in Chicago over the weekend, the couples chose to have full interfaith ceremonies that honored their diverse traditions.
The 476th ceremony was a beautiful blend of Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu traditions. I feel truly blessed that couples trust me to perform multi-faith, interfaith, inter-ethnic, and interracial weddings.
The 15th multi-faith (5 Faiths) wedding I conducted took place in New York, incorporating values from Jewish, Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, and Christian faiths. This represents my dream wedding—a celebration of pluralism that respects all religions and people, allowing everyone to walk away with an appreciation for different traditions.
I enjoy leading a 7-minute mini-workshop on pluralism, and I love seeing the guests nodding in agreement and joy. The workshop is titled “Embracing Pluralism for a Peaceful Life,” and it addresses the questions: What do I stand to lose, and what is the core essence of our practices?
In defense of Islam, Pursuing A Civil Dialogue
Steve Blow wrote this piece in the Dallas Morning News
Over and over, you hear it said: If Muslims oppose terrorism, why don’t they stand up and say it?
If that has been you, Mike Ghouse ought to be your hero.
It is hard to imagine that anyone has worked harder than the Carrollton resident to demonstrate the peaceful and moderate side of Islam.
And that effort includes personally visiting Dallas’ First Baptist Church last Sunday just to put a friendly face on the “evil, evil religion” that the Rev. Robert Jeffress denounced a few weeks before.
Full Article: In defense of Islam, Pursuing A Civil Dialogue
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