Question
If a couple love each other and decide that they would like to marry and spend the rest of their lives together what are the obstacles to that union? The christian man (myself) respects completely the beliefs of his prospective wife and she would without question continue as a muslim and I would be happy for children to be brought up as muslims. Further I regard myself as monotheist. While we can marry in a civil ceremony is there anyway that the marriage could be ‘blessed’ in Islam even though I am Christian. I understand the Qu’ran does not expressly forbid this marriage.
My prospective wife’s family have also accepted the marriage.
Answer
As I have already clarified that such a marriage is not expressly prohibited in Islam and, therefore, I am in no position to put any obstacles in it. However, because such a marriage is against the traditional social norms of the Muslim community, you may find it difficult in acceptance among Muslims. You may find a lot of Muslims saying that such a marriage is prohibited. You may also find it difficult to find a religious person performing the marriage ceremony, in view of the general lack of social acceptability of such a marriage.
Nevertheless, as I have stated earlier, because such a marriage is not expressly prohibited by Islam, I do not consider it to be disallowed.