Shia-Sunni marraige?

Question

I have a Shia friend (female) who would like to get married to a Sunni (male) but are having troubles agreeing to a lawful way of Nikah abiding to their differences of beliefs in Islam...the list goes on. Could you share your opinions on this? Both families are arguing as to how and where the marraige should take place, under whose "rules"?If anyone has appropriate links to read upon around this subject that would be helpful as well.

Answer 1

Many marriages i know of.

Answer 2

For others above me, it is not quite correct to say that the ONLY difference is that the Shia celebrate two more holidays or the difference is in the opinion of the inheritance from Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

True, these are some of the differences AND the basic matter is the matter of inheritance. But because of them, other differences have evolved regarding for example whose interpretations to follow.

In Islam, since the male is designated as the leader of the household, the male is the dominating factor for his children even if he doesn't want to be one. It is a natural thing. Children inherit the name of the father. For this same exact reason, Muslim men are allowed to marry other people of the book (Christians and Jews) but Muslim women are not allowed to marry outside because it is feared that even if both of their intentions are good, the women may feel "pressured" by their husbands. Using this line of reasoning, if the guy is Sunni, then it should be done the Sunni way.

This will obviously come up for raising the kids too and it needs to be decided before that. Teaching kids both ways is not a good idea because they are both very contradictory. It might end up driving kids away from Islam.

As for the nikkah, I am surprised that there is an issure such as this. I always thought that the nikkah proceedings were the same. Even is there is a difference, it must be very small. Just go ahead and do it both ways. What is so hard about that?

I mean, after all Shias are Muslims too. I would imagine that it is better to marry a Shia than a non-Muslim.

Well, I certainly congratulate both of them for standing up to this. These divides between Sunnis and Shias are very deep and sharp. I have seen some such marriages work so I am hopeful for them. Good Luck!

Answer 3

There difference should not overflow into that area...The Shia and Sunni differences go back to a disagreement between who the rightful heir of Muhammad is not really about the practices themselves...The Shia and Sunni both celebrate the same holidays, holy cities and basic Muslim belief...The Shia celebrate two more holidays and have two other holy cities. Attached is a website where a woman asked the mosque the same questions...maybe they could help your friend.

Hope that this helps.

Answer 4

There are four ways to go a destiny, the heaven. Followers of Islam have four choices, that is four ways or four roads to go a same destiny. Shia is one of those and Sunni is another one of those four ways!!!

So, One thing is that, these followers whereas they are Shia or Sunni are not different. They are just on different ways to reach a same destiny. The Final word is these for ways people are Muslims. They are same.

This is only be described like as, "there is a school, and there are two ways to reach that school from my home, both ways are ok. I may now choose that one, on which my tradition goes for or I would like, But I have to go to my school timely anyway. If I can manage the time, My teacher will grant my entrance in my classroom, no doubt"

This maraige is OK.

Answer 5

This marriage is not a very wise choice. There will be more confusion later on when they have kids. According to Islamic law, they will be Sunni, but since the mother has to raise them, she'll probably bring them up Shia.

Answer 6

As how the world has turned out, this marriage is at risk of having trouble in the long run. As early as this stage, both parties are already disagreeing to a pety matter such as the hows and wheres. Only Allah (SWT) knows but do pray istikaarah first and the solution will reveal itself.

Answer 7

This is what happens to religious fanatics. To those who are mildly religious, or non-religious those thoughts never occur.
There are all kinds of mixtures with no problems at all, except when religion comes before all else. You have the choice between the person you love and your superstitious beliefs.
If your love for each other is strong enough, you've got it made. If you love your beliefs more than each other, that's something different.

Answer 8

I know that Shias can marry Sunnis (as I am Shia) but I am not sure that strict Sunnis can marry Shias.

Answer 9

It was a casual matter decades ago... but politics has create this very sharp line b/w them. Actually shias have changed the basic teaching of Islam.. so sunnis dont very well get along with them.

Answer 10

Opinion: Have a good look at how much love these two groups
have for one another,they are killing one another to prove it.
Should your friend proceed to marry,She needs to learn combat
cause that is what She will be doing.,one other thing, learn to cover with a Black blanket.In 110degree heat

Answer 11

Your issue is actually addressed on Sayyid Sistani's Website: www.sistani.org
Good day.