Interfaith Marriage
Can Muslim Women marry men "of the book"?
Since it says in the Quran that Muslim men can marry “women who are believers” the general belief and teaching has been that Muslim women cannot marry “believing men” also referred to as the people of the book (Ahle-kitab).
But what is ignored is the verse in The Quran (2:221) that says “…do not give your women in marriage to men who associate others with Allah in His Divinity until they believe; for a believing slave is better than a (free, respectable) man who associates others with Allah in His Divinity, even though he might please you”. In other words, you can give women in marriage to men even if they are poor and ugly as long as they are “believers”.
It is interesting to note that the tradition, interpretation and guidance provide by Muslim scholars (mostly men) over the centuries has been contrary to The Quran.
Many observers quote the verse “….it is lawful for you to marry chaste Muslim women and chaste women of the People of the Book, provided, you pay their dowry… (5:5), and use this verse to justify Muslim men marrying women of the Book. But they ignore the verse 221 in Surah Al-Baqarah (noted earlier in this article) which clearly allows Muslim women to marry believing men (people of the book). One wonders why do these scholars think that God will be (God forgive me) unjust towards women, one of his finest creation.
It shows that the male Muslim scholars have been misogynistic and over the centuries continued to suppress the rights Islam gave to women. Such proclamation from the scholars (ulema) has left hundreds if not thousands of young American Muslim women in their late twenties and thirties, unmarried.
In the patriarchal Muslim societies, men rule the roost and dictate the religious upbringing of the children. In such societies, it is expected that Muslim men will steer their off springs into Muslim faith. But here in America ( and many other progressive communities) both parents are engaged equally in child rearing. Many interfaith families expose their children to the rich cultural and religious traditions of different faiths. As such children become adults; they chose to follow the faith tradition of one or other of their parents or no faith at all. Whereas it is a responsibility of the parents (in the Islamic tradition) to teach their children about the faith, that responsibility ends when the children become adults.
Based on The Quran (and not the ulema), the American Muslim women who cannot find Muslim mates or chose not to do so, can marry “believing me” in other words men of the book. It is permitted as per the guidance of The Quran (Surah2, Verse 221).
Hijab, Niqab, Burqa or No Hijab
Does Hijab define an American Muslim Woman? Additional Information
The Quran does not include Hijab, Niqab, Burqa as dress code for a Muslim woman. The practice of covering the head by women ( and men) of all faiths, particularly during religious events pre-dates Islam. The Hijab (head covering), Niqab (covering the face except the eyes) and Burqa (covering the whole body from head to toe) are cultural expressions and tribal customs of various Muslim communities. These have nothing to do with Islam. But have come to be associated with being Muslim. God commands both believing men and believing women in The Quran to dress modestly.
The wearing of hijab is a personal choice. Some women wear hijab as part of their religious belief, some are forced to do so by the pressure from the family or the tribe and some do so to openly declare the faith. Others do not cover their hair.
When asked, many such Muslim women answer by saying that hijab offers protection against unwanted attraction and solicitations.
In spite of the fact that it is not ordained by Islam, hijab has come to stereotype an American Muslim Woman. A review of the “Islamic Horizon” magazine published in the USA last year showed that over 95% Muslim women who were presented in various stories were wearing hijab. It is if to say that the American Muslim women who do not wear hijab have not achieved any social, professional or academic success and somehow are not worthy of coverage in this magazine.
Many recent children books written by Muslim authors almost always depict Muslim women as wearing hijab. Such a depiction sends a wrong message to the young Muslim girls, that to be Muslim means that you must be wearing a hijab. The American Muslim Community must call out these authors and publishers and ask not to stereotype the American Muslim woman in such publications.
The following verses fromThe Quran are instructive:
And tell the believing women to subdue their eyes, and maintain their chastity. They shall not reveal any parts of their bodies, except that which is necessary. They shall cover their chests, (with their Khimar) and ……..They shall not strike their feet when they walk in order to shake and reveal certain details of their bodies. All of you shall repent to God, O you believers, that you may succeed. (24:31)
O prophet, tell your wives, your daughters, and the wives of the believers that they shall LENGTHEN their garments. Thus, they will be recognized and avoid being insulted. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.( 33:59)
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