American and Egyptian marriage...?

Question

I have known him for a few months... we consider ourselves friends but we are more than friends (but not intimately) and by American culture we may be considered as dating. However he is from Egypt and doesn't believe in dating, men and women can either be friends or get married there is no in between for him (because in Egyptian culture there is no dating). In discussing this issue with others more informed than myself, they told me if he was serious about me he would begin discussing marriage with me soon which we have. I guess I am wondering if it is possible for a man from an Egyptian and Muslim background and an American woman to have a true, serious, and successful marriage. I am really wondering from the perspective of Egyptians and Muslims whether they believe this is possible.

Answer 1

ok I'll tell you again :)
I'm positive that it can happen,I've two friends of mine,1 is American and she will be in Egypt in a couple of days to marry an Egyptian Muslim man,and an other friend from Australia,she and her man are both in Australia now and they will be in Egypt soon in order to get married.
wish you Good Luck

Answer 2

I know for a fact it is possible, I did it! My husband and I have been married for 6 years (well, six years this fall). If you are not muslim there will be difficult times but if you really love each other and try to be open minded and willing to compromise. Egyptian men have different expectaions out of marriage and of their wives. Usually if it doesn't work out it's because of religion. It's usually either that they insist the children be muslim and their wife doesn't agree or it's because they want their wife to convert and she doesn't want to. However, there are many people who are able to work this out as well. My husband and I have two kids and it was not an issue for my what religion they were taught as long as they are happy in that religion. We do still get into some skirmishes since he wants me to convert but it's not enough to seperate us it's just what he wishes would happen. Here is a site that has a little of what you can expect from marriage to an egyptian(the site was down when I checked the link so I hope it will be back up when you check it). Feel free to e-mail me if you want to talk about American-Egyptian marriages.
http://www.marriedtoanarab.com/cultural/Egypt/Marriage_in_Egypt.htm

Answer 3

You have to consider many things, where are you planning to live?? egypt or USA

if you ever have kids you have to know that he will want to raise them in a very different way than in the US.

Also the matter of religion it will end in one of two scenarios either you converting to Islam (if you're convinced & accepting that religion) or he will have to let go of many of the Islamic demands regarding family & marriage (in order to fit your lifestyle & character) so he will be losing in this case.

I'd say be very cautious about this relation cuz even if love is very nice at first. marriage is totally different.

I'm an American Egyptian (Muslim). And very open minded to eveything but altough it's quite tempting to see all those lovely ladies in the US, it's hard to cope with all the cultural & religious differences between the two societies to consider a long term relation.

Also, (I don't particularly mean this person) but many guys look for a foreign girl to marry to be a means to get the US citizenship or other country. & after a couple of years they get divorced & marry an Egyptian girl having secured a foreign citizenship & a good job.

So, take your time & study the matter well. It's a tough decision. but deception can be a real pain in the .....!!

Mazzy

Answer 4

A muslim man is allowed by sharia law to marry a Christian or Jewish woman if both of them are willing to do so.
I have known my Egyptian husband for 5 months before we got married last September and are living happily ever after. It is a very positive sign indeed that your Egyptian friend has popped up the question of marriage already. It shows that his intentions are truly serious. European or American kind of dating is not acceptable for an honest muslim man.
Although I have a European background, I presume that the American perspective of things will not differ that much from the European one. It is definitely possible for both of you to have a longlasting and happy relationship built on understanding and trust if you are ready to make compromises. You will be living far away in a very different culture where family relations are very tight with no friends of your own in the beginning. I do not know if you can speak Arabic, if not, believe me, it's a hard nut to crack. Although Egyptians are generally very friendly and nice, not speaking the language will prevent you from understanding them as not everybody masters English. Also the relations between people are very different, let alone the religious background of things. As a woman you will have to assume a much more subdued role socialwise than you are accustomed to. Thus, salesmen will address themselves to your husband and not you, your husband will pass your orders to the waiter in the restaurant, etc. There will be no pecks on the cheek from your visiting male friends, etc.
Having said all that, you will have many other nice things in return that you don't have now. People in general care about each other more and are truly interested in you and your wellbeing, they will always help you whenever they can. The family ties are much stronger than in Europe. Please investigete your friend's family background and situation before you taking any decisions. Visit his family to see how family members treat each other and picture yourself as being 'one of them'.
Are you ready to convert to Islam? If not, you may not be able to inherit anything, etc.
Please visit the Internet page of the American Consular service for the detailed information of the legal aspect of your situation.
http://cairo.usembassy.gov/consular/acs12.htm

Answer 5

Hi, Im also muslim and I have known friends and family that have married other cultures & nationalities. If you reallly love this man, and both of you adapt to one anothers traditions & culture you CAN make this work. And if he loves you, he will understand your culture and likewise. Another thing is important - religion. Are you willing to convert? Did he ask you to or do you want to? Is he the religious type? Both of you should talk about this so you both understand eachother. For eg. the ramadan months, christmas etc.. these are mostly where the problems start. Religion can sometimes cause problems. At the end of the day - if you both love eachother & come to an agreement it would definetly work. Hope all goes well :) GoodLuk!!

Answer 6

Hey, I'm Egyptian and Muslim, I have a close friend (egyptian and muslim too) married to a Russian, its been 2 years now and they are cool! sure it's possible! and by the way in egypt culture we do dating, Egypt culture mixed with foreign cultures, so anyway i think it's possible.. Good Luck ;)

Answer 7

Well, I'm Egyptian Muslim. It's very possible.
This man is so honest with you, he wanted to take a serious step in your relationship which respects his culture,true love = marriage.
Dating is just a free fun, specially if the relationship is going to an intimate level.

Answer 8

I know many Egyptian Americans or just Egyptians have also married outside their ethnic community and all of them happy. it depends on the understanding between the couple whatever the religion is that makes their marriage a successful marriage . So, yes it is 1000000% possible

best of luck

Answer 9

I say take your time and let him know what you expect. I also am american and I have met an egyptian man on the internet and he is very demanding about the way he feels for me. We don't know where this will lead but I think it is important to discuss everything and to let him know what you expect and what you are willing and not willing to do as far as religion and culture.

Answer 10

This should be a warning to you of what you should expect if you marry the man. If he is not willing to date you, then you should expect the same rigid adherence to conservative customs when you are married.

If you are willing to accept the role a conservative Muslim wife then I say go for it.

If you are hoping that you will have the freedom and independence of a traditional American woman then you are sadly mistaken.

Best wishes whichever path you choose.