Question:
Hello,
I am a catholic Christian. I would like to get married to a muslim man however, he says that he cannot marry me because he feels that he may loose part of his religion. and also that he fears that his children will grow up and not be muslim. his main concerns are with regards to children.
there are certain things that I would like for my children. and I am of the view that we can bring up the children with both religions and when they reach maturity they can decide which religion suits them. he is of the view that the children should be brought up as Muslims from the beginning.
the things I would like for my children are more cultural than for religious reasons. please can you clarify the following?
in England even muslim couples have to have a registration ceremony before Nikah this is usually done in a registry office. however, would it be ok to have the registration in a church without the Christians vows being pronounced – only the usually registration vows?
would it be ok to have the children to have a christening?
have holy communion before they are enter their teenage years?
allow the children to occasionally go to church – only during Easter and Christmas?
have names which are not usually given to Muslims?
allow them to occasionally eat pork when I go to visits my parents?
I would greatly appreciate if you could help me in this matter.
Answer:
If a Muslim man marries a non-Muslim lady and a child is born from this marriage then the child will be considered a Muslim. It will be imperative on the husband to bring up and educate the child according to the beliefs and laws of Islam. It is unlawful for a Muslim to eat pork and to partake in Christian religious ceremonies. In the same manner to visit a place of worship of non-Muslims is incorrect.
As a result until you do not accept Islam wholeheartedly it would not be correct for him to marry you and judging from what you have written the aspects which he fears that might affect his religion are apparent and correct. You should make an all out effort to study Islam and pray to God that he clarifies the truth for you and he gives you the ability to follow the truth.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
20 April 2005
11 Rabee’ul Awwal 1426