What are some potential problems with a Christian/Muslim intermarriage?

Question

My girlfriend is an Egyptian Muslim and I am an American Christian. We are going to get married and I was wondering if there are any other christian/muslim couples out there who could give some insight into problems they have faced either culturally or religiously.

And yes I know about the Islamic rule that female muslims have to marry male muslims. That's not a factor for us.

KHARM - Thanks, we have talked at length about kids and how they will be raised. Very level-headed post, thanks.

JESSICA - Thanks, we are both fairly easy going when it comes to religion. Everything you said we have discussed. I am curious, what do you mean by medical treatments, I can't think of anythign medical that would be a problem? Any examples?

IDAHOMIK -- LMAO, you make quite a proper little pharisee there, nice to see that you have the job of determining who is a "TRUE" Christian.

Answer 1

Assuming you're also going to forget about the biblical admonition of being unequally yoked, my biggest fear would probably be that if things broke down in the future she'd grab the children when you were at work or something and run back to Egypt. You may never see them again. This may not be very common, but has seemed to happen more with arab spouses than other foreigners, at least that I'm aware. Second, I would work on finding places your wife can go to feel less isolated whereever you live. Preferably an Arabic Christian church, but a mosque MAY be better than nothing. Americans are much more private than middle easterners, and she will not like the lifestyle we have (staying at home, watching tv, getting online, etc. instead of constantly having friends over). Also get her in English school or start learning Arabic if you don't want to both be completely frustrated by your inability to talk through your problems. You also better decide right away how you want to raise your children (to be Christians or Muslims or ???).

Some of my advice comes from being married to a brazilian, thankfully we are both Christians.

EDIT: Also if she's from Cairo and you're from a small town you can count on her being bored and frustrated at the slow lifestyle....

Answer 2

That depends on how devout you wish to appear or act. She has already blasphemed according to her religion. If you are a devout christian then I forsee troubles, if not then you should be OK. I dated a muslim girl from Pakistan (yeah they can't date) and the religion thing was very hard because she felt she was living a lie. I told her I would not change my (non-existant) religion for her but I was interested in learning about her culture. It is too bad the crusades and the dark ages happened. At that time the moslem world was more advanced and civilized than europe. If they had colonized the americas we would have a much different lifestyle. Go for it you guys, just remember to communicate with each other about issues that might become problems. Good Luck

Answer 3

What do you mean "that is not a factor for us??". Your lady does not care if you remain a Christian?? If so, then she does not care about the authenticity of the marriage as far as Islam is concerned. If a Muslim female marries a Jew or Christian, who does not embrace Islam, then the marriage is not recognized. She will be living in sin. If this is the case, then you will not have a problem. If she does not care about what God ordered in her Holy Book, she will not care about anything else, you two wont be fighting over religion. Why are you worried?

Answer 4

It depends on the Muslim and the Christian.

1. Are either of you fanatical in your beliefs to the extent where it will infringe on the freedoms, space, privilages, sex life, finances of the other?
2. WIll you be imposing your beliefs or have some secret desire to convert the other?
4. Will you respect his/her religious beliefs when it comes to diet, medical treatment, family traditons etc.
3. Do you agree that your children will be allowed equal exposure to BOTH your faiths (or any others they request) until they can make up their OWN mind?

Those are the questions to consider.

Interracial marriages seem to work ONLY if both of the people are actually very secular, flexible and not very fundamentalist religious at all.

Answer 5

Have you worked out the following problems:
Where are you going to get married, in a church or mosque? Is the solution o.k. for both of you?
Is religion important to you or your fiance? How are you going to raise your children? Muslim, Christian, no religion?
How comfortable are your relatives with this marriage? If they are not accepting are you prepared to sever your relationship with them?

Answer 6

I was in a Jewish/Christian marriage and there were lots of issues. We did ok until we had kids. We had agreed to raise the children in both faiths, but my husband got upset whenever I tried to practice my faith, because "it wasn't in Judaism", but thought I should accept everything about his faith because "nothing in Judaism contradicts what Christians believe". Ultimately, we got divorced and my husband fought for legal custody and won. (He knew the judge.) He took me to court to force me to raise my son Jewish only (even though I am a pastor). The court said that it was a parental issue, not a custodial issue so since he was the legal custodian, he got to decide. (My son was 12 at the time and was not allowed to speak to the magistrate. They did agree that he could attend church with me.) My son continues to live with me half the time, but I don't have the legal standing.

You are looking at cultural differences as well as religious differences. I would advice you to learn as much as you possibly can about life in Egypt and about the Muslim religion. Then think carefully about assumptions you have made about your future life. Finally, recognize that your spouse may not be able to keep promises she makes now, because she may not realize how important some things will become to her in the future. (My ex was non-practicing until my 5-year-old came home from school and said, "I believe Jesus is the son of God." Suddenly, we had a whole new ballgame.)

Answer 7

As long as you respect each others religions there shouldn't be a problem. Make sure you talk about how you will raise your kids spiritually, if you decide to have any.

This is true for any relationship with people of different belief systems.

Answer 8

The problem is not with the couple

But with the larger society. They would for sure create problems.
Don't know how are you going to deal with that.
You cannot afford to isolate yourself from the blasted society.
And then how would you insulate your kids from not being targeted by the same society.

You may be able to withstand, but, pray why let your children suffer for the act committed by you ?
Think before you leap !!
Best wishes.

Answer 9

Given that islam is the sworn enemy of Christianity... Nooooo... no problem... no problem at all

Two points of FACT... if what you post is true

She is not a true follower of islam

And you are no Christian... no True Christian would ever consider disobeying God so blatantly... Such a union is in direct violation of God's Word and Will

Answer 10

Hmm, sounds like both of you are educated people, not really bothered by inhuman religious rules. If that's so, go for it. But you better think about the religious education for your kids, if you are going to get them.