If you're contemplating marriage to a Muslim male, consider these few things first...

Submitted by Jane (United States), Jul 7, 2006 at 20:28

-If you have a daughter and you raise her Muslim, she will never be allowed to marry a non-Muslim man (unless she leaves the faith). Now is that fair (not to mention somewhat hypocritical) that you have married outside your own religion, but you will teach your daughter that she can't do the same? And consider this: Islam, in general, doesn't look too favorably on "apostates".

-You will not be able to share in simple Christian things with your children and husband like Easter, Christmas, Lent, etc. Sunday service will be lonely and even if your children come, they may not be able to fully participate in the service.

-Also, with the modesty issue with your (possible) daughter; although your husband may not force her to wear the hijab, you will probably not be able to do things like go to the beach with your daughter or see her go to the prom. She probably won't be able to just hang out with her friends after school either.

-It might cause a strain in your other personal relationships (particularly parents, parents-in-law, close friends, etc.)

*In case you're curious about my background, I am a Catholic woman who is engaged to a non-Arab American Muslim man and these were just a few things that I really had a hard time dealing with. While I grew up in a very religious family, I was always taught to respect other religions. However, when faced with the possibilty of marrying a Muslim, I really had to consider all that I was giving up. I understand the hardships of those who are in the same types of relationships as me. However, there are some differences since my fiance is non-Arab and is an American. On top of that, he's military, so I know that there is defiently a balance of beliefs.

However, I would warn those who are considering marrying an Arab Muslim (particularly a non-American). Not so much for the religion, but more so for the culture. It is quite different from American Muslim culture. Just think it over before you do it. Make sure this is something that you can truly commit to and that you really trust this man. Consider the country he's from and the rights that you have as a woman, in that particular place. Not all are as strict as places such as Saudi Arabia and Iran. Even if you met and plan on living in the U.S., there's still a possiblity that you all will travel to his home country someday as a family and these things are best thought about ahead of time. The best advice that I can give is to pray and may God bless all of you who face such a difficult decision!

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