[kellyjaz]

(Note: This defense uses the example of a Muslim woman marrying a Christian man, but the principles apply to marrying any non-Muslim man.)

"The verse that is traditionally used by imams to prohibit an inter-religious marriage is Qur'an 5:5, which states: 'This day, all innately good things are lawful for you... Lawful to you are the chaste women from among those who have been given the Book before you...' Traditional imams contend that since women are mentioned, and men are not, then it must be understood that the marriage of Muslim women with non-Muslim men is forbidden.

This, however, is problematic. For the Qur'an is addressed, because of the custom of the time, to men. It is for this reason that the Qur'an says, for example, "And when you divorce your wives..." or "During the nights of fasting [Ramadan] you may have sex with your wives..." What do I mean by the custom of the time? In the tribal context, the woman, once married, accepted the husband as master. He, in turn, accepted the religion of his tribal chief.

Given that reality, a whole host of issues arose for Muslim scholars -- issues that made them oppose inter-religious marriages for women. One issue was, whereas Muslims honor the non-Muslim prophets, followers of the other two monotheistic religions do not honor Muhammad, and that would put the Muslim woman in the terrible position of having her prophet disrespected. Another issue was that most Christians see Jesus as God, and for a Muslim to attribute divinity to a human in unthinkable. Then, too, there was the problem of the children from such a marriage, who would presumably be brought up in the religion of the male spouse.

But remember that all of these 'issues' assume the woman must take the faith of her non-Muslim husband, and that is clearly not the case in your relationship. You live in a different time and a different place.

To be sure, most Muslims would argue that the Qur'an is true for all time and all places. If we go by that logic, then we must acknowledge that the Qur'an is still sympathetic to your dream of marrying a Christian man. Even though he is a Christian, the Qur'an does not hold that against him. For while mentioning that there are Christians who take Jesus as God, Islam's main document calls this 'kufr' (disbelief/ingratitude) rather than 'shirk' (polytheism). It's a significant distinction because, in another verse, the Qur'an also states that Christians who do good deeds have the right to enter heaven. Christian creedal beliefs are the same for both male and female followers of Christianity, so how can the Qur'an allow marriage to the Christian woman but not to the Christian man?

The evidence indicates that the main hang-up is the problem I emphasized above -- that the religion of the male spouse becomes dominant (as also evidenced in the Book of Ruth in the Hebrew Bible). In our day, since Qur'anic Islam (as opposed to the Islam of the male jurists) must acknowledge the radical notion that women are equals of men, that women have legal rights, and that those rights include placing conditions on the marriage (what you and I would term a 'pre-nuptial agreement'), then an inter-faith marriage can take place on condition that neither spouse will be forcibly converted to the other's religion. As long as that condition is respected, you and she have my blessing.

On the question of children, certainly there will be some religious confusion. But as a Muslim scholar, I can tell you that the Qur'an advocates the use of the heart and mind in forming opinions. If both parents are faithful to their interpretations of the Creator's will, then the children will make informed decisions when they come of age.

I would be happy to officiate at the ceremony depending on my availability. You may reach me through www.forpeoplewhothink.org.”

Dr. Khaleel Mohammed studied Sharia at Muhammad bin Saud University in Riyadh (Sunni) and the Zeinabiyya in Damascus (Shia). He holds a Ph.D. in Islamic law from McGill University.

*link

[IbnMardhiyah]

Imam Khaleel is either in denial of, or deliberately ignoring the fact that children tend to follow the father in regards to customs and religion. Because Islam seeks self-preservation and growth, this is one of the reasons why the husband / father must be a Muslim.

If he is in denial, then he's being unethical and perhaps even committing haraam by making the statement as seen above.

And if he's in ignorance of this basic fact, then it strongly suggests his incompetence on this issue.

[kellyjaz]

children tend to follow the father in regards to customs and religion.

Can you elucidate why please.

[LEGALEAGLE]

Originally Posted by kellyjaz

Can you elucidate why please.

'elucidate'...wow the benefits of a college education...

[kellyjaz]

Originally Posted by LEGALEAGLE

'elucidate'...wow the benefits of a college education...

You pick out the only formal word i've used in this thread.. Oh the cruelty of islamica

[Warmheart4u2007]

that man "imam khaleel muhammad" seems to be having poor logic and reason.wrong wrong wrong

[LEGALEAGLE]

Originally Posted by kellyjaz

You pick out the only formal word i've used in this thread.. Oh the cruelty of islamica

No it's good kid...it's very good. I am GENUINELY impressed...

[Ilikemyscarf]

Originally Posted by IbnMardhiyah

Imam Khaleel is either in denial of, or deliberately ignoring the fact that children tend to follow the father in regards to customs and religion. Because Islam seeks self-preservation and growth, this is one of the reasons why the husband / father must be a Muslim.

Is this a fact?

[Aryan_]

I was with him right up until he said this:

Originally Posted by kellyjaz

In our day, since Qur'anic Islam must acknowledge the radical notion that women are equals of men

Equality is just another meaningless rubber bracelet word.

[LEGALEAGLE]

Khaleel Mohammed follows a Mutazilite approach to Islam.

Its forbidden for Muslim women to marry non-Muslims.

We hear and we obey.

Reminds me of that scene in Pulp Fiction when they're discussing reasons not to eat Pork

[Nawawi619]

As Salamu Alaykum

Professor Khaleel Mohammed is a fringe academic not representative of mainstream Sunni Islam. He wrote the preface/forward of Irshad Manji's book which further makes him problematic.

It is quite clear in the Islamic Sacred Law amongst the four schools that there is a consensus (ijma) on the issue that the marriage would be deemed invalid if the man is a non Muslim and the woman is a Muslim.

[Nawawi619]

As Salamu Alaykum

Professor Khaleel Mohammed is a fringe academic not representative of mainstream Sunni Islam. He wrote the preface/forward of Irshad Manji's book which further makes him problematic.

It is quite clear in the Islamic Sacred Law amongst the four schools that there is a consensus (ijma) on the issue that the marriage would be deemed invalid if the man is a non Muslim and the woman is a Muslim.

[kellyjaz]

It is quite clear in the Islamic Sacred Law amongst the four schools that there is a consensus (ijma) on the issue that the marriage would be deemed invalid if the man is a non Muslim and the woman is a Muslim.

why?

.........................................

[ChotooMotoo]

Originally Posted by kellyjaz

why?

.........................................

Becuase Islam guarantees women certain rights. If a muslim man marries a non-Muslim woman, those rights are guaranteed for that woman. If a non-Muslim man marries a Muslim woman, there is no guarantee that she will get her rights. There is also the matter of her following her religion. Imagine the pressure on a Muslim woman to leave her religion if she marries a non-Muslim man. That pressure doesn't exist for a non-Muslim woman married to a Muslim man, so long as she agrees to raise the children as Muslims. News came out just recently of a Muslim woman who married a Hindu man, and she was abused horribly becuase she refused to become Hindu. As to the matter of men being allowed to marry non-Muslims women... yes it's allowed, but is definately not recomended and in this day and age it could really be disliked. People tend to gloss over that part of it in an attempt to make themselves feel better about marrying their non-Muslim girlfriend.

Of course, this is a free country and you can do whatever you want. You're free to marry anyone you wish, but you could be very sorry if you marry someone who doens't share youre religion.

[kellyjaz]

Originally Posted by ChotooMotoo

Becuase Islam guarantees women certain rights. If a muslim man marries a non-Muslim woman, those rights are guaranteed for that woman. If a non-Muslim man marries a Muslim woman, there is no guarantee that she will get her rights. There is also the matter of her following her religion. Imagine the pressure on a Muslim woman to leave her religion if she marries a non-Muslim man. That pressure doesn't exist for a non-Muslim woman married to a Muslim man, so long as she agrees to raise the children as Muslims. News came out just recently of a Muslim woman who married a Hindu man, and she was abused horribly becuase she refused to become Hindu. As to the matter of men being allowed to marry non-Muslims women... yes it's allowed, but is definately not recomended and in this day and age it could really be disliked. People tend to gloss over that part of it in an attempt to make themselves feel better about marrying their non-Muslim girlfriend.

Of course, this is a free country and you can do whatever you want. You're free to marry anyone you wish, but you could be very sorry if you marry someone who doens't share youre religion.

Well, if you marry a man [Non Muslim] whom respects your religion in the sense that everyone can believe “whatever“ they want, why would there be any pressure on the woman? And as for the Muslim+hindu marriage Allahu a3lam May God help her and strengthen her Imaan even more. [ Ameen]

*Though I agree a child needs a father whom is Muslim to look up to him, ask him certain things, imitate in manners etc.