Interfaith Marriage Between A Muslim Woman And An Atheist Man
Thank you for taking the time to consider what I’ve written. It makes sense that if someone wants to have consensus on beliefs when raising a child that they should marry someone of the same religion, but what if both spouses are okay with having 2 different viewpoints in the same home? What if they agree to each teach the child their beliefs and let the child decide for himself what to think? Having an atheist father and muslim mother means the child will only be exposed to one religion, so it’s not as though my lack of faith would corrupt their muslim upbringing like being a polytheist would. 2. I don’t see how 4:25 says what you claim it says. To me, it seems to be encouraging muslims to see each other as equals for the purposes of marriage, regardless of whether they’re enslaved. Where does it say that spouses must be believing? 3. If it applies to people with the same beliefs today, then why doesn’t 9:5 apply to people today? How is 2:221 eternal while 9:5 is temporary?That seems contradictory, and the Quran contains no contradictions, so they must both apply to modern times, or neither do. I think both you and I agree that making war on the polytheists no longer applies, so that must mean that 2:221 doesn’t apply either. You’re right that an atheist is not a polytheist, but then you claim that muslims should only marry someone who believes in one god. I don’t think the Quran ever states that rule. Is that actually a rule of Islam, or was that a rule made by the reasoning of humans? As for the objective of marriage: me being atheist doesn’t interfere with teaching the children about Islam. When my wife sets out to teach them Islam, I won’t stop her. 5. How do you know that Tawhid is the supreme point? Is it not equally likely that it is the Jews’ and Christrians’ lack of polytheism that makes their women eligible for marriage, rather than their professed monotheism? As for your second point, and like I said before, I won’t be pushing another religion on the children, so what does it matter whether Islam is dominant in society or not? As for the last point, it only allows marrying women of the book, but it never disallows any other form of marriage, and something is permitted in Islam unless it is forbidden.
Douglas, based on my experience, rather than taking a verses from here and there to make a point, If merely for general knowledge try to read Quran translation to its entirety. If you read it sincerely, everything will become clear. At least that was my experience. For quick reading you can perhaps read chapter 75 forward. Perhaps that might lead you to a better solution to your predicament. Any text or any book can be argued in any direction. There are no bounds to any arguments. Also, to my knowledge, Quran is designed to lead people in the direction of their inherent intention. In my opinion, Allah deliberately didn’t want to have a 100% clarity and a 100% proof of his existence; otherwise it would have violated the purpose of our existence in this World to be here for a test. [2:221] Do not marry idolatresses unless they believe; a believing woman is better than an idolatress, even if you like her. Nor shall you give your daughters in marriage to idolatrous men, unless they believe. A believing man is better than an idolater, even if you like him. These invite to Hell, while GOD invites to Paradise and forgiveness, as He wills. He clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may take heed. Now, verse 2:221 has no ambiguity. The underlying message is clear that marriage is only allowed with the believers. And by the way there are 7 articles of belief, but the most critical being not to do shirk. The verse talks about idol worshipers as a reference, but also clearly states the general rule. ——————– [5:51] O you who believe, do not take certain Jews and Christians as allies; these are allies of one another. Those among you who ally themselves with these belong with them. GOD does not guide the transgressors. This verse is true even today. It talks about CERTAIN Jews and Christians who are behaving in a WICKED manner. If that situation happens today, the inherent message of the verse applies not to have friendship with them. ——————— [9:4] If the idol worshipers sign a peace treaty with you, and do not violate it, nor band together with others against you, you shall fulfill your treaty with them until the expiration date. GOD loves the righteous. [9:5] Once the Sacred Months are past, (and they refuse to make peace) you may kill the idol worshipers when you encounter them, punish them, and resist every move they make. If they repent and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), you shall let them go. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Similarly, if the similar situation happens today, the rules applies. The above verses to my knowledge are related to when Prophet Muhammad was present between the people and if prophet’s direct invitation to Islam is violated then Allah’s orders comes to punish people. This only applies to Prophet Muhammad and when he is physically present among people. In the past Allah punished people himself using various disasters, but during Prophet Muhammad, he was given the responsibility to punish people himself. This situation will not occur any more as there will be no more prophets.
Douglas, your last statement very likely makes you a Muslim. You stated “It also seems most likely to be true to me”. This is more belief than many so called born Muslims have. I do not think there is anyone who would have absolute belief on Allah without ever being weak. Even some prophets asked Allah for a sign. There are overwhelming signs that it is true. What if it is all not true, then what do we loose… nothing. It only requires belief and not committing Shirk. On the other hand if it is all true, we may end up regretting for an eternal life. I couldn’t find any more authentic religion. I believe if nothing else, my belief is an insurance for a good eternal life. If it is not true, what am I loosing, a belief, doing good deeds, helping other people, giving charity, etc. You can explore your doubt further and ask questions to Ghamidi Sahib. There is no other better scholar to explain everything. Atheism is conjecture and opinion, while Islam is based on solid ground. The goal shouldn’t be 100% proof, but overwhelming proof.