I have to disagree with Abu american about problem more with the culture than the religion.
If you do not plan to convert to Islam then you will have a problem. Yes culture is a big problem between both muslim marriages and inter religious marriages. However, christian wives hold less rights then a muslim women.
1.) in islam she is not allowed to have custody of her children
2.) she will have no authority over the way the children are raised (i.e. the father has the right to enforce an islamic lifestyle)
3.) she will not have any remittance when in need in most muslim countries although admittedly this is very unislamic
4.) you will probably have to listen and obey him if he commands you to cover your hair, wear abaya, not talk to men, stay in the house, only go shopping with him blah blah blah (not all muslim men are like that but if he is then you'll be screwed)
All in all, a christian women does not hold the status and respect given to a muslim women who believes in Islam as her religion.
And then of course, are the cultural problems that could either work for or against you. It depends on how clever you are and the mindset of your husband to be. (which changes on a whim) And he will all of a sudden become islamic when it suits his fancy. Or perhaps you may have to look for the future in which he starts to practice and again this could have negative results if you are not happy with the islamic lifestyle.
For these reasons I never recommend a non muslim girl to marry a muslim guy. Unless he has converted from Islam. Or you trust him completely and are happy with the set up. Just remember to take birth control and have a get out plan should anything go wrong. (i.e. take/hide enough money for a plane ticket)
If you are happy with all of the above then by all means get married to him and enjoy your life.
I have to disagree with Abu american about problem more with the culture than the religion.
If you do not plan to convert to Islam then you will have a problem. Yes culture is a big problem between both muslim marriages and inter religious marriages. However, christian wives hold less rights then a muslim women.
1.) in islam she is not allowed to have custody of her children
2.) she will have no authority over the way the children are raised (i.e. the father has the right to enforce an islamic lifestyle)
3.) she will not have any remittance when in need in most muslim countries although admittedly this is very unislamic
4.) you will probably have to listen and obey him if he commands you to cover your hair, wear abaya, not talk to men, stay in the house, only go shopping with him blah blah blah (not all muslim men are like that but if he is then you'll be screwed)
All in all, a christian women does not hold the status and respect given to a muslim women who believes in Islam as her religion.
And then of course, are the cultural problems that could either work for or against you. It depends on how clever you are and the mindset of your husband to be. (which changes on a whim) And he will all of a sudden become islamic when it suits his fancy. Or perhaps you may have to look for the future in which he starts to practice and again this could have negative results if you are not happy with the islamic lifestyle.
For these reasons I never recommend a non muslim girl to marry a muslim guy. Unless he has converted from Islam. Or you trust him completely and are happy with the set up. Just remember to take birth control and have a get out plan should anything go wrong. (i.e. take/hide enough money for a plane ticket)
If you are happy with all of the above then by all means get married to him and enjoy your life.
Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi