Islam - Can a Muslim man marry a Christian woman?

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Permalink Reply by Nathan Thompson on July 5, 2009 at 12:04pm

Check this link out Raquib Interfaith-Marriage Network

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Permalink Reply by Bella on July 5, 2009 at 9:58pm

Hi Raquib,

I will try to answer your question as respectfully and clearly as I can. I'll start off with what I know from the Christian perspective since I am one and therefore have had more access to conversations from this lens. Christians typically dissuade such unions on the basis of a scripture that says one shouldn't be unequally yoked. Taken from a puritanical perspective this can meet unequal spiritual views. From a pragmatic view this means there will be lots of storms to weather in the future. Based on what I've read from the Muslim perspective (http://www.islamawareness.net/Marriage/fatwa_04.html) the view is quite similar. Citing common issues that would arise such as which tradition to follow, how and when to pray etc. Now, from my personal experience, I dated a guy in college who was Guyanese Indian, whom wanted to marry me - however, I wasn't ready at that time. Our inability to make it as a couple had nothing to do with race or religion. We discussed blended themes in the wedding. The complexity of your relationship, as a couple, will be based on who is more entrenched in their religion than the other. If you are Muslim in culture then it might not be a big deal to you to sit through your wife's religious antics. If she is open minded she can accept parts of the Muslim tradition that is culture and not spiritual. The converse applies. If you are still reading this post. Congradulations! I am long-winded! Finally, parents. Are parents and for anyone marrying outside of their culture/ethnicity/faith must have the courage to do so in a way that respects the parents, shows them grattitude and love, and an openness even if they are rude! Thats hard work which is why y'all have to be a solid team first and have thought and discussed all your worst case scenarios through. And every time issues arise.

Hope that helps!

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Permalink Reply by Eddie N on July 6, 2009 at 3:13pm

My brother: briefly, the answers to your first two questions are

Question 1: Does Islam allow a Muslim man marry a Christian woman legally?
YES.

Question 2: Is it a must for a Christian woman to convert to Islam after marrying a Muslim man?
NO.

In my family, we have both Muslims and Christians (as well as some other religions). There have been interfaith marriages with no problems. The "be ye not unequally yoked" argument is a favorite among evangelical Christians especially, but that is not mainstream Christian thought on the issue. Most people who argue against "mixed" marriages were the same people who argued against Catholics and Protestants (two forms of Christianity) getting married. It is true that usually one of the stipulations of a Muslim woman (especially) marrying a non-Muslim is that she promises to raise the kids as Muslim, but as we all know, kids grow into their own understanding of their spirituality once they come to maturity and can and will make their own choices in life.

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Permalink Reply by Sue-Ellen Chohan-Thompson on July 7, 2009 at 8:43am

Hey Raquib, hope your well and all is fine your way. :)

It seems as though ppl have offered and hand whilst you were in need and it seems as though the answers have proved welcoming to your prefered outcome.

I know things will work out for you, keep us up to date with your journey.

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Permalink Reply by M. Be on July 8, 2009 at 5:20am

It is 21st Century man. People are thinking about colonizing Mars and here you are talking about if you can marry a 'Christian' girl because you are 'Muslim'. May be I am a bit blunt here but do what your heart desires and really you don't need anybodies approval or acceptance to do what is in the best interest of your future.



Sorry, I am not a religious person so don't take it personal.

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Permalink Reply by AdrianUT on July 9, 2009 at 2:27am

1.Its ok for a Muslim man to marry a Christian or Jewish woman (within the religious principles).
2. I'm not sure if its required she converts. But, that's really up to her anyway.
3. Umm, open your heart let her know how you really feel and get down on one knee with a ring? Some Christians believe in seeking premarital counseling from their spiritual leader (just ask her) but, other than that I don't know of any specific rituals in the Christian faith.

You should tell your parents out of respect but, the decision on who you feel is your soul mate/life partner is yours to make alone. If you really Love this girl you would be willing to back your decision to marry her no matter what opposition you might fear.

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Permalink Reply by suraya krishana parikh on July 20, 2009 at 8:13pm

I love this answer, you took the words out of my mouth literally. If we care about what others will think and/or do we ultimately limit ourselves and happiness.

M Berhane said:

It is 21st Century man. People are thinking about colonizing Mars and here you are talking about if you can marry a 'Christian' girl because you are 'Muslim'. May be I am a bit blunt here but do what your heart desires and really you don't need anybodies approval or acceptance to do what is in the best interest of your future.



Sorry, I am not a religious person so don't take it personal.

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Permalink Reply by EmpressAmethyst on July 26, 2009 at 10:16pm

I agree although I am religious lol. My mom is Muslim and my dad is Christian. She wasn't raised Islamic so it's a little different from your situation but here is my opinion. It depends on how you want to live your life. My parents aren't so preoccupied with what religion the other is so long as they have one. They respect the others' religion and our house is literally a combination of both Muslim and Christian holidays etc. Sounds like religion is important to you but if this person means so much to you it shouldn't matter what religion either of you are. On the other hand, do not bring her into a situation that could be detrimental to either of you if you're not willing/able to deal with opposition you might face.

M Berhane said:

It is 21st Century man. People are thinking about colonizing Mars and here you are talking about if you can marry a 'Christian' girl because you are 'Muslim'. May be I am a bit blunt here but do what your heart desires and really you don't need anybodies approval or acceptance to do what is in the best interest of your future. Sorry, I am not a religious person so don't take it personal.

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