Re: Egyptian Muslims as husbands

Submitted by b. davis-abouelkhier (United States), Apr 22, 2007 at 15:50

Dear Amy,

I would like to offer my input with respect to Muslim, Egyptian men. I am currently married to an Egyptian Muslim and have been for two yrs. I understand some of your apprehension, but I would ask that you consider his qualities as a person first and not as a Muslim , or an Egyptian. It is my experience that poor character and questionable motives are not restricted to any one religion or nationality. ( My former husband was Nigerian and so I do have experience with other nationalities ). My current husband has proven to be sincere, motivated and respects me accordingly, as I do him.

Yes, it is sometimes difficult to gauge how someone may respond to marriage but that, again, has not so much to do with the culture of the person as it does to the person, himself. Please ask all your questions before you take any vow, and listen closely to the answers-if there is anything said that you are uncomfortable with, please discuss it further to avoid misunderstandings later, and do not take any vow until you are satisfied with the situation.

By the way, I am a lifelong Christian and infomed my husband, that while I loved him, I was not considering conversion, and did not expect this from him either as so much of his identity is connected to his religion. The good news is that we agreed to this out of mutual respect,. and we are happily married.(this is not to say we never disagree, or that there aren't problems with cultural differences), but if you maintain your own identity and allow him to maintain his, I believe you will be successful in marriage.

Best Wishes, B. Davis-Abouelkheir

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