The Importance of Avoiding Sinful Acts during the month of Ramadan – Rebecca Pena

Day 2 What is our intention?

“Everyone acts according to his intentions, and your Lord is best aware of him whose path is right.”

The Quran 17:84

As Muslims, we strive to do as many good deeds as possible. We understand that good deeds are a way to not only seek the mercy of Allah’s swt , but also attain al-Jannah. However, good deeds are not enough. In order for our deeds to be accepted, it must have a good intention behind it. In order for our deeds to be accepted the primary intention in doing good deeds, should be to do them for the sake of Allah SWT and Him only. Not for the social media likes, not for all of the MashaAllahs, or so that one can be viewed as a hero.  

What is the first thing that we do when we wake up? Most of us say Alhamdulillah, thanking Allah SWT for the opportunity to see another beautiful day. The blessing in being able to open our eyes and thank Him. Something we all take for granted from time to time.  However, what is our intention when saying Alhamdulillah? Yes we in fact do need to have an intention behind simply saying Alhamdulillah. Think about it this way, if we wake up and say Alhamdulillah and then spend our morning complaining, bickering with our spouse, reprimanding our children in a harsh manner, have we really started our day with the best intentions? Probably not. It is so important to make sure that in everything that we say and do, our intentions are good.  

Swalath-prayer in islam

‘Abdullah bin’ Abbas ( radhiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah ( sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam) said that Allah, the Glorious said: “Verily, Allah has ordered that the good and the bad deeds be written down. Then He explained it clearly how ( to write): He who intends to do a good deed but he does not do it, then Allah records it for him as a full good deed, but if he carries out his intention, then Allah the Exalted, writes it down for him as from ten to seven folds, and even more. But if he intends to do an evil act and has not done it, then Allah writes it down with Him as a full good deed, but if he intended it and has done it, Allah writes it down as one bad deed.” [ Al- Bukhari and Muslim]

Imagine that! We are able to receive the benefit of a good deed by simply having the intention and without acting on it.

So how is it that a good deed is recorded when the act is not even fulfilled?

Because the favor and grace of Allah swt is broad, the person with the good intention receives the reward of one good deed because although the deed was not fulfilled, the heart was pure and yearned to do good. If he fulfills the intention, then it is written down as ten good deeds. 

All good deeds must start with an intention. The acceptance of said deed will depend on the intention that goes with it. Good deeds in Islam must have the utmost level of sincerity. At times our sincerity and pure intention can be swayed by our own weakness or Shaytaan. When this happens, we find ourselves doing good for another reason other than to please Allah, or by doing something wrong and ruining it. 

Wasting our good deeds

There are many things that we can, knowingly or unknowingly, do that waste our good deeds.

Showing off

There are those who do good deeds for the intention of being praised by others. Showing off is one of the things that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) feared for us.

Backbiting

What many consider harmless chatter, can actually waste our good deed. Many times when someone is being talked about their name is being slandered or they are seen in a negative light. When this happens, we are actually giving our good deeds to the person that is being slandered. Imagine on Day of Judgment we find out that all of the good deeds we worked so hard for on Earth, were given to someone else as compensation for all of the times that we spoke poorly about them. 

Commiting Sins

There is no doubt that committing sins affects the acceptance of our good deeds, when we engage in committing sins we waste any good deeds that we have done. 

How can we guard and protect our good deeds?

So how can we protect our good deeds?For starters we need to make a conscious effort to protect them by acknowledging the intention and avoiding certain things.

Purify our intentions

For starters we must purify our intentions so that our hearts are in the right place. This helps us to acknowledge and remember why we are doing what we are doing and the rewards that we would like to receive. We can do this also by asking ourselves why we are doing it and for whom. 

Why do we post Islamic reminders on social media?

Is it to genuinely remind our brothers and sisters of the importance of our faith? Or so that everyone on our social media sees how religious we are? 

Keep your good deeds private

All of the good that we do should be kept between us and Allah swt. This helps to keep the intention pure and keeps us from being weak and or inspired by shaytan to show off. 

The Prophet (SAW) said, “He who lets the people hear of his good deeds intentionally, to win their praise, Allah will let the people know his real intention ( on the day of resurrection), and he who does good things in public to show off and win the praise of the people, Allah will disclose his real intention ( and humiliate him).” ( Bukhari)

Make Istighfar ( the act of seeking forgiveness) 

Even though we strive to not sin, at the end of the day we are all sinners. The best thing that we can do for ourselves is engage in as much istighfar as possible. This way if Allah swt wills our sins will be forgiven without them affecting our good deeds. InshaAllah

In the end, each and every single one of us will have to stand before God on the day of judgement to answer for all that we have done. If our good deeds outweigh our bad deeds, InshaAllah, we will be granted forgiveness and enter paradise. On the other hand if our bad deeds outweigh our good deeds, we will be condemned to Hellfire. May our hearts remain pure and our good deeds be accepted by Allah swt. Ameen.

About the Author:  Sister Rebecca is a SAHM living in Houston Texas. Married for 13 years with two children, and a revert since 2014,  her hobbies include cooking, reading, and spending time with family. 

TABLES OF MERCY – Marisa Lopez Chicote

Today we are going to talk about a beautiful Egyptian tradition of Ramadan closely related to another of the Pillars of Islam, helping those who most are in need.  We are going to talk about the “Tables of Mercy” in Arabic “Ma’edat Al Rahman”.



This year like the last year, unfortunately it is not being possible to continue with this tradition due to the coronavirus crisis but we hope it will be resumed next year InshaAllah.

When the Holy month of Ramadan starts, the streets of Cairo are filled with “Ma’edat Al Rahman,” which is a vital ritual in Ramadan that illustrates social solidarity, something that characterizes the Holy Month.  At these tables they are set up in each neighborhood and a complete meal is offered free of charge for the iftar, to all those in need or to anyone who passes by at the time of breaking the fast.

The name of these tables comes from the Surat Al Ma’eda of the Quran, which calls for the spread of mercy among Muslims.  This tradition began in the time of the prophet Mohamed (aleiho assalato wa assalam).

It is said that it started with a group from Al Ta’ef in the time that the Prophet lived  in Medina and they announced his conversion to Islam, so the Prophet then sent them food for fetar and suhoor.  The caliphs who followed him continued the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad.  Omar Ibn El Khattab established “Dar Al Deyafa” (the foster home) to provide food for those who were fasting.

The first Ma’edet Al Rahman in Egypt was in the time of Ahmed bin Toloun in 880 in the fourth year of his rule.  He had prepared a party to which he invited merchants and dignitaries on the first day of Ramadan, then ordered them to open their homes to feed the poor.  He also ordered that this decision be applied everywhere.  This festival was when Ma’edet Al Rahman’s idea started in Egypt.

Over time, the tradition faded and then returned again during the Al Mo’ez leldein Allah Al Fatimi era, as he prepared a Ma’eda (table) for the people praying at the Amr Ibn Al Aas Mosque.  The food was cooked in his palace and later distributed to the poor.  Some of the tables were 175 m long.  In the Fatimid era, palace workers would provide a large stock of sugar and flour, as well as sweets such as kenafah, qatayef, and baklava, and distribute them to the people of Egypt.

During the Abasi period, during the rule of Haroun Al Rashied, he would set the tables in his palace and wander around them in disguise to ask people who break their fast about the quality of the food so that they would honestly tell him their opinions.  no flattery.

The Mamluk period in Egypt was famous for the generosity of rulers in spending on the poor and needy, as additional wages were given to workers, students, and orphans.

Ma’edet Al Rahman remained a Ramadan-related tradition throughout Islamic times, and the wealthy would compete to prepare tables every year.

In the 20th century, the tradition returned again under the government sponsorship of the Nasser Social Bank, which would prepare a table near the Al-Azhar mosque to feed 4,000 people.  The first such Coptic table was established in the Shoubra neighborhood in 1969 in Al-Afadal square.  Since then, these tables have been present on the streets of Egypt.

Some of the most famous Ma’edet Al Rahmans in Egypt are found in Al-Azhar, Al-Hussein, Al-Sayed Zeinab and Ramses Square.

These tables can also be found near restaurants that serve iftar.

Many mosques in Egypt set up these tables by collecting money from people who pray.

In the villages of Upper Egypt, young people hit the roads and sit on the side of the street around fetar time and invite car drivers to join them.

In many neighborhoods, neighbors come together on a Ramadan day and each neighbor brings several dishes and sets up a table for themselves and everyone who wants to join.

I love this tradition because it represents the spirit of help and sharing of Islam and the spirit of Ramadan and I hope that this crisis will soon pass and BismiAllah can be resumed.

About the Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote is an event planner and mother of 5, living in Cairo and Muslim since 1985, alhamdullah. She loves travelling and cooking.

What do we do when we can not fast? – Rebecca Pena

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam . We fast as an act of worship, a chance to get closer to Allah SWT, and it is a way for us to become more compassionate to those in need. However, what happens when we are unable to fast? How can we find our connection to Allah SWT when we are unable to fast? Ramadan is the month where many of us will strive to put in our best efforts to be close to Allah SWT mainly by fasting. 

Any form of worship which is valued in the sight of our Creator will come with challenges. 

For women, this fasting month will bring its own set of challenges. One of our greatest challenges is not only the inability to fast and recite the Quran due to menstruation. Many will feel sad and disappointed not wanting to waste these special opportunities during Ramadan. 

What about those who are unable to fast due to health reasons, such as pregnancy, diabetes, or any other health condition that requires the assistance of medication? Although these are all valid reasons to not fast, it can bring feelings of isolation and shame. 

My first year of being Muslim, Alhamdulilah, I was newly diagnosed as being a Type II diabetic. However, I was determined to fast no matter what. A dear friend of mine whose husband is a physician, was on the phone with me one morning telling me that it was okay that I break my  fast. Her husband, Dr. Ahmed was in the background telling her to tell me that I needed to break my fast and to not risk my health. My blood sugar had dropped to the 50’s She was telling me that if it harms me, then I am actually not allowed to fast. The fast was broken. Here come the feelings of disappointment. I had failed. The next year would bring the same disappointment and the next and the next. It wasn’t until 2020 that I was then able to successfully fast during the month of Ramadan. Alhamdulillah. Some may fast every other day and make up those days later, and as always please consult with your physician before making any decisions.  Whatever the reason is please remember that if it is detrimental to your health, you are not required to fast period.

However, there is more to Ramadan than just fasting. For those us who find fasting a challenge due to health reasons, what are some things that we can do to make up for our inability to fast? There are community initiatives , charity, spending time with family, and increasing our worship. If you are unable to fast, focusing on those other aspects of Ramadan will make you feel like you’re still part of this amazing experience. Here are some ways that we can make up for not being able to fast.

  1. Preparing food for those who fast

“ Whoever provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast with, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.”

( Sunan At- Tirmizi)

We can simply prepare or buy food for those who are fasting and we will receive the same reward! Amazing. Indeed, Allah is Al – Karim ( The Most Generous) 

  1. Remembrance of Allah 

“Indeed, by remembering Allah swt, the hearts will find tranquility.”

( Surah Ar- Ra’d 13: 28)

There are so many ways to remember Allah SWT such as reciting His majestic name repeatedly. 

  1. Recite duas and Quranic verses that you know by heart or listening to Recitations from the Quran

The big question for many has been can a woman recite Quran while on her menses? The simple answer is yes, as there are no Hadith that clearly state no. Although we can not touch the Quran, we can recite those verses in our heart and mind or listen to the beautiful recitations which are so pleasing to the ears and soothing for the hearts. Remembering Allah with sincerity will invoke His mercy for us. 

Allah’s messenger (SAW) made us recite the Quran in every condition provided one was not sexually defiled. 

  1. Sadaqah

This is the month of Sadaqah ( charity). Many of us tend to be more generous during this month due to the rewards that come from Allah swt. Some examples would be:

  • Donating to support a local mosque
  • Preparing food for people who are breaking fast 
  • Feeding someone who is less fortunate
  • Donating to to a local charity 
  1. Sharing our knowledge on social media

Although some will refrain entirely from social media during Ramadan, with good intentions and discipline, we can still use social media for good. For example sharing useful knowledge of our religion and other beneficial news and information.

Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action.

( Sahih Muslim)

  1. Refraining from sins

As the true meaning of fasting is more than just fasting, it is more pertinent for us to control our sinful thoughts during this blessed month. For example, holding our tongues from sins such as backbiting, lying, or cursing. We need to make plans to busy ourselves by doing lots of good deeds that we become too occupied to commit any sins. At times we mail fail. What do we do then? Quickly seek forgiveness from Allah swt and say Astaghfirullah Aziim sincerely from the heart. Indeed Allah swt loves those who repent.

In conclusion, although the inability to fast may bring feelings of isolation, loneliness and feelings of disappointment, it is important to remember that there are so many things that we can do that will bring great rewards and are pleasing to Allah swt. May Allah strengthen our faith and keep us focused and disciplined  during this holy month of Ramadan and accept all of our fasts and duas. Ameen. InshaAllah. 

About the Author: Sister Rebecca is a SAHM living in Houston Texas. Married for 13 years with two children, and a revert since 2014,  her hobbies include cooking, reading, and spending time with family.

MENUS AND SHOPPING LISTS FOR THE FIRST WEEK OF RAMADAN – Marisa Lopez Chicote

Today we start the counting down to the month “El Karim” of Ramadan

On Sunday inshaAllah will be the sighting of the crescent moon and we will know which day will start exactly

Ramadan Mubarak for all the Muslims in the world who celebrate!

So, it is the time to make our shopping list and prepare our first weeks menu so that we can be ready and avoid any last-minute stress. This way, we will have more time to dedicate to the most important things to do during the Holy month: worshiping Allah and the reading of the Qur’an. 

SUHOOR SHOPPING LIST

Let us start with Suhoor that is as important as Iftar during Ramadan, it helps give you energy and helps you go through the long day of fasting, particularly in the summer.

But you need to choose good and healthy foods for your Suhoor to help you feel less hungry during the day. You’ll need to have a healthy Suhoor to help maintain your weight and keep your body and skin healthy.

 Here is our list of foods to have for Suhoor:

Proteins

Proteins are great to have for Suhoor as they help keep you full during the day. Boiled eggs or fava beans with tomatoes and olive oil (foul) is a good choice.

Don’t forget to have your favorite juice as well, to help you keep hydrated.

Dairy

Calcium is great in keeping your body healthy and maintaining your weight. Cheeses and milk are a great option for Suhoor, just make sure you avoid salty cheeses.

Light Sandwiches

A light sandwich is a great option for Suhoor, with a glass of milk or juice, it will make a balanced suhoor.

Vegetables and Fruits

Many people forget to have fruits or vegetables during Suhoor, but fruits or vegetables have a lot of water and will make you feel less thirsty during the day.

A great choice is a bowl of oatmeal with some dried fruits to help you feel full for longer.

SUHOOR EXAMPLES

Here are some examples of healthy food options you can have during Ramadan, especially during Suhoor:

  • Oats: Oats can be eaten with milk or with yogurt, and oatmeal porridge can be eaten as a source of whole oat grains and liquids as well, because it is prepared with water or milk, and fresh or dried fruits, nuts, and seeds can be added. Also oat pancakes or oat waffles are excellent options
  •  Cereals: Breakfast cereals provide a lot of fiber and are usually fortified with vitamins and minerals, and thus they increase the nutritional value. Fluids and nutrients, such as calcium, iodine, and B vitamins can also be obtained from milk.
  • Yogurt: Yogurt is a good choice to eat at the suhoor meal, as it is a good source of some nutrients such as protein, calcium, iodine, B vitamins, and fluids, and it can be eaten with grains and fruits.
  •  Cold Turkey and White Cheese sandwiches 
  •  Fava beans with tomato, olive oil and tahina 
  •  Omelette with vegetables and cheese 

 Of course, do not forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

 IFTAR SHOPPING LIST

Dates

The month of Ramadan everywhere is synonymous with consuming dates. Why? Although dates may be small in size, they pack a punch. Besides being a good option to satisfy your sweet tooth, dates are a good source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, sugar, and energy.

Vegetables and Fruits

We tend to forget about vegetables this month since it is a month full of festivities. Just because it is Ramadan, you shouldn’t forget that vegetables and fruits add a much-needed balance to your diet. 

So, this was our list of things that you should add to your Ramadan grocery list. We have only mentioned the must-haves to keep our list short. 

Fruits are universally known as healthy due to being high in fibre and enzymes. Not only that but fruits can prevent constipation and can keep you hydrated and its are the best dessert after a long day of fasting.

 Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds contain a variety of healthful nutrients which can positively affect your brain, your heart, and even your waistline. Just one ounce of nuts a day can diminish inflammation by providing your body with immune-boosting minerals. If you’re bored of peanuts or almonds then switch it up by opting for cashews, macadamias, pistachios, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds. 

Grains and other carbohydrates

Better in the whole version like brown rice as it’s a whole grain with a low glycaemic index (GI value = 55) – this means your blood sugar levels, and energy levels, won’t fluctuate while fasting. Another option would be oats or barley, which have almost identical components; such as being rich in B6, folate, potassium, and zinc.

Proteins

Incorporate protein rich sources such as lean meat, skinless chicken, fish, eggs, legumes and low-fat dairy products.

MY IFTAR MENUS PLAN FOR THE FIRST WEEK

Day 1

In Egypt is a tradition the first day gathering in Ramadan so this first day there more foods on the table than the rest of the days

  •  Khoshaf (a mix of dried fruits and nuts with water, cinnamon and honey) and lemon juice
  • Chicken Soup
  • Green salad with goat cheese and roasted bell peppers
  • Mahshi cabbage (cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and herbs), Bolognese lasagne and roasted chicken.  
  •  Dessert: Assorted of fruits and konafa stuffed with cream and nuts, espresso or tea  

Day 2

  • Dates stuffed with almonds and sobia
  • Lentil soup
  •  Roquefort and apple salad with honey and mustard dressing
  • Meat and cheese sambousek
  •  Bamia with meat in tomato sauce
  •  Dessert: Assorted of fruits and qataifs stuffed with nuts, espresso or tea  

Day 3

  • Dates stuffed with walnuts and strawberries smoothie.
  • Pigeon soup with lisan asfoura  
  • Molokhiya soup with rice bel khalta (rice with nuts and chicken liver)
  • Hamam mahshi (pigeon stuffed with rice)
  • Dessert: Assorted of fruits and mini konafas cupcakes with Nutella,   espresso or tea  

 Day 4

  • Dates stuffed with almonds and banana and coconut smoothie.
  • Vegetarian Harira soup
  • Mix Egyptian salad (lettuce, tomato, onion, grated carrots, and cucumber with vinaigrette dressing)   
  • Egyptian Mesa2a  (roasted eggplants, potatoes and green bell peppers in a garlic tomato sauce) served with brown rice
  •  Kofta panne
  • Dessert: Assorted of fruits and qataifs stuffed with cheese creams and honey, espresso or tea  

Day 5

  •  Khoshaf and avocado and almond smoothie.
  • Vegetable’s soup
  •  Arugula salad with nuts and cheese
  • Chicken kabsa (Spicy Basmati rice with roasted chicken and nuts)  
  • Roasted vegetables
  •  Dessert: Assorted of fruits and apple tart, espresso or tea  

 Day 6

  •  Dates stuffed with almonds and carcade cold drink.  
  • Gazpacho soup (cold Spanish vegetables soup)
  • Kofta Dawd Basha (meatballs in tomato sauce) served with brown rice.   
  • Spinach goulash with cheese
  •  Dessert: Assorted of fruits and qataifs stuffed with cream, espresso or tea  

Day 7

  • Dated stuffed with walnuts and lemon juice.   
  • Seafood soup
  • Tuna salad  
  •  Spaghettis with sundried tomatoes and prawns    
  •  Salmon in orange sauce
  • Dessert: Assorted of fruits and La Viña cheesecake with jam, espresso or tea  

I hope that this post has help you to do your first week plan menus and shopping and I wish you that this Ramadan can reach our goals of worship to Allah and charity.

About the Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote is an event planner and mother of 5, living in Cairo and Muslim since 1985, alhamdullah. She loves travelling and cooking. 

Forgiveness and Ramadan – Rebecca Pena

Asking for forgiveness in Ramadan to Allah Almighty is the first priority one should make before and during Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad pbuh said: Musa the son of Imran once asked, “ Oh my Lord! Who is the most honorable of Your servants? And He replied, the person who forgives even when he is in a position of power.” ( Baihaqi).

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Makes sense doesn’t it? Think about the times we’ve have had altercations with a coworker, friend, family member, or whoever. When they’ve wronged us by slandering our name, insulting us, or hurting us in any way we feel is unforgivable. 

The result? A grudge. After all we have a right to be angry. No one should be treated or hurt this way. We didn’t cause this. They did. We have facts. Therefore our position is justified, as are our feelings of anger, resentment, bitterness, and sometimes even hate. 

Although this may be true, and we may be in that position of power mentioned in the Hadith above, is it really what Allah swt would want from us? Forgiving others, aside from having a positive effect on our health ( less stress) and our minds ( less negativity = more room for positivity) is a necessary step to become closer to Allah swt. 

So how do we get there? While we may rightfully be angry, hurt, resentful, is it worth harboring all of those negative feelings and emotions? Should we not put our energy towards growth rather than holding that grudge? 

Is it even right that we ask Allah swt for forgiveness of our sins  while we ourselves refuse to forgive others when they’ve hurt us? Almost feels strange. 

One of the distinguishing features of Ramadan is forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad pbuh explained in one Hadith, that Ramadan is a month whose beginning is mercy, Middle forgiveness, end is freedom from the hellfire. This is the time to ask Allah swt  for forgiveness. It is also a great time to open our hearts and cleanse them of any grudges brought on by feelings of anger and bitterness by forgiving others. 

The path to gaining a strong connection to Allah swt is paved with tests and difficulties. This means at times we will face hardships, including injustice and betrayal at the hands of others. 

If we truly want Allah’s love, mercy, and forgiveness, we must remember that the hardships are temporary and that we are working towards what’s permanent. Is it worth holding a grudge, being bitter? How will it benefit us? Will it change the person who has wronged us? 

Let the next few days before we enter the blessed month of Ramadan be used to open our hearts to those who have wronged us and forgive them as we beg Allah swt to forgive us. 

May we all strengthen our faith and grow closer to Allah swt during this holy month of Ramadan InshaAllah. 

About the Author: Sister Rebecca is a SAHM living in Houston Texas. Married for 13 years with two children, and a revert since 2014,  her hobbies include cooking, reading, and spending time with family.

Getting Married in Indonesia for Foreigners – Erni Herawati

Today, it is not uncommon for individuals to get married to partners from different countries. However, attempts to organise marriage ceremonies can be frustrating due the to different bureaucratic requirements in different countries. In this short article, I will give some information regarding the requirements to get official marriage licence (Marriage Book/Buku Nikah) in Indonesia. This would be useful for those who plan to marry an Indonesian and plan to do the marriage in Indonesia, inshaallah.

How to Record the Postnuptial Agreement at Indonesia Religious Office  Affairs (Kantor Urusan Agama/KUA) | Elson

Indonesia is famous for it’s long and painful bureaucracy, so planning is very important. In my own case, my husband and I prepared all of the documents needed for the marriage two weeks ahead of the time for the actual marriage (of course this timeline can vary depending on each person).

The first step is to ask your Indonesian partner to contact the local Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) and consult with them regarding your plan for marriage in other to discuss the peculiar situations that you may have with them. However, the general requirements for documents are common for everyone.

Pin by Tamara'✨ on Holding Hands ♥ | Cute muslim couples, Muslim couples,  Couple hands

Here is the list of documents the foreigners need to prepare (based on my recent experience):

  1. Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from embassy or consulate. Please check the embassy website for the requirements, every country has their own policy on how to get this document.
  • A copy of your international passport
  • Copy of other IDs (my husband used his temporary driving licence which shows his address)
  • Passport photos with blue background size 2×3 and 4×6
  • A copy of birth certificate (this is actually optional, they only need the name of the parents. My husband lost his birth certificate so the officer only asked us to write his parents’ names on a piece of paper)
  • Medical check up in local health center (puskesmas). This check up includes STD tests (only for siphilis and HIV) and also tetanus shot for the bride.
  • If the foreigner is a convert, prepare a copy of documents to support that also. (My husband, also a convert to Islam, but he does not keep his document that shows he is a convert. However, he already changed his name and completed his hajj, so the officer did not request this document)
  • Proof of dissolution of previous marriage or death certificate of former partner (if applicable), translated to Bahasa Indonesia by a sworn translator.
  • Optional: Copy of pre nuptial agreement

Fee:

The marriage will be conducted free-of-charge if the aqad (marriage contract) is done at the KUA premises in weekdays during the office hours. However, the fee is 600,000 rupiah for marriages outside the official opening time or in different venues.

Processing:

Once you submit all the documents, the office will need about 10 working days to process your requests. However, you can negotiate with the officer regarding this. For my case, I submitted the complete documents on Wednesday and we got married on Friday of the same week.

People say they approve of interracial couples, but studies uncover bias -  The Washington Post

Extra Information: Although marriages can technically be done in such a short period, I would not recommend you follow my footsteps by preparing the documents in only two weeks. Spare at least between one month or up to 3 months for the document preparation.

I hope this will be useful for you. May Allah make easy for everyone to get married, aamiin.

About the Author: Sister H. Erni (Tabassum Estilla) is an entrepreneur living in Indonesia with her husband and 3 cats. Her hobbies include making Amigurumi, cooking and travelling. She has been a volunteer at Amirazz since 2018 where she helps with administrative tasks to help Muslims fulfill half of their Deen.