Reply to Harper

Submitted by Isis (Australia), Jun 20, 2009 at 23:51

Hi Harper. Some concerns that I have with your story are;

1. The children that he had with his ex wife who is American were brought up under Islam and in the event that the marriage failed under Islam he has sole custody of the children. The wife must denounce all rights the children. Any children that you have with this man will be brought up as Muslim and if your marriage fails, regardless of whether or not you have converted, he will claim full custody.

2. He has stated that he will not push you to convert but the fate of the previous marriage is surely a warning. Your conversion will be high on his agenda with your your relationship.

3. Re the family - Egyptians live in a very tight family unit whether they are Muslim or Coptic Christian. His family will be always be number one and his plans for his family to migrate and live with you are probably second on his agenda after your conversion. His mother is and will be the matriach of the family and you will have to obey her I'm afraid. She will consider you no more than domestic help. Yu will also have to obey your husband and betwen them you will no have no voice.

Your man sounds to be a conservative Muslim and he is only instigating the centuries old traditions that have been instilled into him through family upbringing and Islamic education. I have not converted and this was in full agreement of my husband. Conversion was discussed but I explained that I felt comfortable with Christianity and he was happy with this as I am with him being Muslim. We have made a compromise to respect each other's religion.

There are modern Muslims here in Egypt but these are the people that have also accepted a western way of life more readily. My thoughts are that Islam will be the division in your relationship.

Best wishes.

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