Miss Al-Khalifa

 I had a recent response to my web page with this e-mail focusing on the recent events in the news about Meriam Al-Khalifa.  Here what was written.

You should not be lecturing others on their beliefs, which you do not live day to day. You should get to know more Christians that are true followers of God. As far as your opinion that Islam is more respective of women's rights. You're in a dream world. Read the following news article which can be found at: (http://www.cnn.com/2000/LAW/07/17/princess.bride.ap/index.html). This poor woman has no freedom of thought within Islam. If she is returned to Bahrain, she will become a prisoner within her own country as well as Islam. In God. May he quench your search for TRUTH.

The first point I wish to make is this.  Miss Al-Khalifa knew when she proceeded on the path she took that it is not allowed for a Muslimah to marry a non-Muslim.  This is stated very clearly in the Qur'an  (60:10)  

O you who believe, when there come to you believing women refugees, exam and (and test) them.  Allah knows best as to their faith.  If you ascertain that they are believers, then do not send them back to the unbelievers.  They are not lawful (wives) for the unbelievers, nor are the unbelievers their lawful husbands.

Under Islamic law, the marriage is invalid.  Many westerners would consider this archaic but there are valid reasons.  Every society must have a set of rules to live by.  We in the west have our laws.  The same holds true for the Islamic countries.  We may not agree with their laws but the fact remains that is the law.   As I stated on the pages under the Center of Islam, we are not them and they are not us.  Is it so wrong to have laws on morality, for this is what the part of the issue is.  The second is how will any children be raised (i.e. Christian or Muslim).  I have many questions as to the circumstances in this case because I believe that not all has been told.  As to the remark that the man can marry anyone he wishes.  This is not true.  The only women a Muslim man can marry outside of his religion is a Jew, Magian or Christian.  

Again in the case of the woman, this may seem harsh but it is a fact that marriages between people of two different religions can be difficult and I believe that Miss Al-Khalifa will be finding out just how difficult that can be in the next few months.  I know because I've been there and done that.  My husband was very kind, but we didn't always see eye to eye on religious issues.  This can lead to conflict.

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