I have been a Christian Minister for over 20 years. I pray everyday; I also fast more often than most Christians. I have meet a Muslim woman who we have fell in love with each other. She was informed that Muslim men can marry outside of the Muslim faith, but Muslim women cannot. Our Love is extreme and we cannot think of leaving each other, although she is faithful to the Muslim faith and will not marry me. I fear that if I walk away from her that at this point she may try and harm herself. I don`t want to go forward in life without her. Is there someone in the Muslim faith, that I can obtain permission to marry this Muslim woman? I will not try and change her faith because I am in love with her. I will travel anywhere in the world to obtain permission if it is possible. Her only choice would be to leave the Muslim faith which I do not want her to do so and nor does she. This is difficult for both of us. Unlike some so called Christians I have also kept myself pure before God. I don`t believe in pre-martial sex of any kind. I do not smoke, drink, or enjoy many things that millions of non-Muslims enjoy. I love this woman. Is there any person within the Muslim faith I can obtain permission to marry this just and respectful woman? Each day things are getting more and more difficult. Please assist me in a Godly, kind, and wonderful Love. I would give my very life for her. If there is a way, please help us. Inshallah. David

All praise be to Allah, and may his peace and blessings be on the last and greatest prophet and messenger, Muhammad, and the rest of the noble Prophets.

 

Thank you for writing to us.

 

In the Islamic teachings, a Muslim woman is not allowed to marry a non-Muslim man. This is a matter of consensus and no one can violate it.

The Muslims live their life according to Islam, which guides their actions from the beginning of the day to the end, and makes for a very large component of their identity, and consequently practices.

 It will not be in her or your best interest to marry each other. People should look for commonalities when they seek a life partner, since the journey of life is full of challenges, and the initial attraction may fade away with the tests of time.

The spouses in Islam help one another on serving God by going to the mosque together, waking each other up for prayer, and supporting one another on long days of fasting…etc. based on all that, even Muslim men are discouraged from marrying non-Muslim women.

There is always room for kindness between members of the different religions, God said: " Allah does not forbid you respecting those who have not made war against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely Allah loves the doers of justice." (Quran 60:8)

However marriage - as I elucidated here above - is not only about the mutual exchange of kindness.

 

God knows best.