American's view on Islam

Zee Bee · March 1, 2008

This is why religions have scholars, to sort out what is practiced out of local custom from what is required.
Unfortunately for Muslims, we have developed a dependency on our scholars that allows them to become dictators. Merely questioning an interpretation makes some Muslims go appaplectic, but those are not the ones qualified to lead anyway.

I could not agree more :thumbs:

Beauty for Ashes · March 1, 2008

I am not hear to debate you nor try to refute your points. Your opinions do not represent the majority of Muslims. I am not a deer in the headlights. I do not try to reinvent religion to suit my lifestyle choices. You did not grow up in Mena and yes it matters. No way would any lets say Algerian girl be supported in Algeria marrying a kuffar. Your american upbringing gave you alot more liberty to choose the things you wanted to do
It's ok, wahrania. I have come to the understanding that you are, as ipaula put it, a convert quoting scholars. That you can merely parrot what you have been told is no surprise. However, I did expect that after claiming expertise, taking an absolutionist position, launching personal attacks at me, and calling me a liar, that the least you could do is provide the audience the courtesy of a coherent and consistant explanation as to why you believe what you believe.

Instead, I can tell that you understood nothing I wrote, I can tell that you understand nothing you wrote. You are capable of little more than prideful dismissals based on a fantasy of experience that a trip or two to Algeria cannot validate.

In other words, PWMED

Thank you to all who have offered kind words and/or enjoyed my postings. I enjoy civil exchanges very much!

Its revert not convert. In Algeria, Jews were expelled by the thousands and their properties confiscated in 1962. If you have an israeli stamp in your passport,you will not get an algerian visa. If you bring bibles into the country,they will be confiscated and prostelytising is forbidden...in fact a muslim who distributed medicine paid for by a priest 3 months ago was imprisoned for 2 years. For you to say that Muslimas would be freely able to marry outside of Islam is an absolute joke.

Sofiyya · March 1, 2008

I am not hear to debate you nor try to refute your points. Your opinions do not represent the majority of Muslims. I am not a deer in the headlights. I do not try to reinvent religion to suit my lifestyle choices. You did not grow up in Mena and yes it matters. No way would any lets say Algerian girl be supported in Algeria marrying a kuffar. Your american upbringing gave you alot more liberty to choose the things you wanted to do
It's ok, wahrania. I have come to the understanding that you are, as ipaula put it, a convert quoting scholars. That you can merely parrot what you have been told is no surprise. However, I did expect that after claiming expertise, taking an absolutionist position, launching personal attacks at me, and calling me a liar, that the least you could do is provide the audience the courtesy of a coherent and consistant explanation as to why you believe what you believe.

Instead, I can tell that you understood nothing I wrote, I can tell that you understand nothing you wrote. You are capable of little more than prideful dismissals based on a fantasy of experience that a trip or two to Algeria cannot validate.

In other words, PWMED

Thank you to all who have offered kind words and/or enjoyed my postings. I enjoy civil exchanges very much!

Its revert not convert. In Algeria, Jews were expelled by the thousands and their properties confiscated in 1962. If you have an israeli stamp in your passport,you will not get an algerian visa. If you bring bibles into the country,they will be confiscated and prostelytising is forbidden...in fact a muslim who distributed medicine paid for by a priest 3 months ago was imprisoned for 2 years. For you to say that Muslimas would be freely able to marry outside of Islam is an absolute joke.

Bismillah. May your knowledge and wisdom increase as your journey to Him quickens.

jpaula · March 1, 2008

You are missing the logic of GEG's argument. The fact that it may or may not be permissible in Egypt, Algeria or Mars is beside the point if you accept the distinction she has made (and argued quite well) between the laws of Allah and those of men. Nowhere has she said that it is allowed by any government (laws of men--would say women as well, but tis not usually the case) although I am less convinced than you are that it is a legal impossibility in MENA. But, assuming for the sake of argument that it is not permitted anywhere in the Arab world, this does not contradict what she is saying. It leaves open the possibility that those man-made laws are misguided, the result of a rather sexist interpretation.
Full disclosure: I have a personal bias here as a Jewish woman married to a Muslim man. We have been supported by both of our families and our friends and have found our own path through it. Five years in and we are comfortable and secure in our marriage. It is a personal thing, how any couple deals with these issues, what compromises we make and how we negotiate those, how outside opinion affects you, etc. The only flack we get is from converts (I don't buy the revert semantics) quoting "scholars." The internet has only added to the problem, spreading cyber fatwa and sprouting experts. I value GEG's input to these discussions as she is one of the few people I know of on these boards who argues for herself from a knowledgeable point of view. I do not know enough about Islam to know if she is technically right or wrong, but she puts forth convincing arguments, presents the points against her own case and then wheighs the two sides. I admire the logic and the thought process.

Now, where the norms ie the cultural or legal implications as opposed to the religious ones of marrying outside of your religion are relevant is in regards to the OP's question. The fact that such marriages are rare in most cultures (much of America included) does mean that it is something we all have to face in our marriages. But, how much of a challenge this is varies alot as it usually comes down to individual and family dynamics. I don't think they are issues to be swept under the rug. If there are things that worry you about your partner's beliefs or if there is real family strain, they have to be taken seriously. But, to worry because of what Islam says instead of what your husband himself believes is creating problems where there are none. As polygamy is the most obvious and oft-touted example (if one more person asks me if my husband can have four wives...), it matters little that it is allowed in certain circumstances in the Quaran. What does matter is that it is something you and your fiance have discussed and agree on. Your husband to be need not answer for all of Islam.

I am very curious about your experiences in Algeria as a jew. Literally,if someone christian has prayer meetings, anyone who attends can and has been prosecuted as well as bibles confiscated if they are muslims. The worst thing that you can be accused of by some people is being called jewish. Did you experience any anti semitism or were you under surveillance in Algeria or did you find people curious and pleasant?

This isn't really true. Technically, there is basic freedom to practice in the Algerian constitution. I lived next to the church in Algiers and they had services every Sunday. My MIL grew up in the Casbah with Jews and Christians. Most of the real animosity and, quite frankly flat out ignorance, is very recent in Algiers and I think it is often overtstated. It is only helped by the fact that civil war drove most everyone out. The government walks a thin line and when they need to drum up some support or quell growing fundamentalism they can always play this card. They arrest some missionaries. It makes headlines. But, it is by no means the full story. As an American (already too visible) I kept rather quiet about my religion. But, in time, I don't think it mattered one lick to family or people who knew me. And I think this is important to remember because it applies the world round. I think it is individual experience that grinds away at prejudice.

jpaula · March 1, 2008

Too late to edit above so let me just add...I am not disagreeing with you to say that there is not anti-semitism. I am, however, disagreeing with the absolute terms in which you state these things.

Sofiyya · March 1, 2008

Everybody put forth a good debate and I'm educated more about Islam now because I've gotten responses from women who are actually in my shoes or can relate to me somehow. Whether it be the Bible or Quran the old stories and the new contradict each other when presented in a debate.
It's year 2008 and nobody sticks to their own religion or culture This forum is an example. I believe Muslims Jews Christians we're all brothers/sisters and we followed the same customs of marriage, human laws, and 10 commandments and we are under 1 God. Ismael and Isaac is where Islam started out of Judaism/Christianity and the PEOPLE/PRIESTS started creating new laws on what is right and wrong..ADAM + EVE = KIDS and Virtual wife thanks for posting why they used to have 4 wives back in the day. It makes sense now that Islam doesn't permit that 4 wives theory anymore b/c men take it in a different sexual context. My spouse repeated everything you said and confirmed that's what a true muslim believes only 1 man for 1 woman.

I believe people are the ones who rearranged God's laws to say a non-muslim is below a Muslim in marriage. God created us all how could he forsake the rest who don't believe in our same faith?

Wahrania I'm sorry and God forgive me for pointing this out but I believe you have Re-married again and by the Qurans rules you would be an adultress for remarrying? It's not right for myself or anybody else to judge Virtual Wife or any other muslima because the heart is what matters these days not laws from 2000 years ago.

I had meant to address the part in bold earlier. During this time of strife and division, the "sword verses" in the Quran get much more attention than the ones encouraging interfaith cooperation and God's mercy on humankind. They are among the most uplifting for our time.

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is

(he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). Q 49.13

To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what God hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If God had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to God; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute; Q 5.48

Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Q 2.62

Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness,- on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Q 5.69

Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians, Christians, Magians, and Polytheists,- God will judge between them on the Day of Judgment: for God is witness of all things. Q 22.17

And hold fast, all together, by the rope which God (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude God's favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth God make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided. Q 3.103

Allah did curse the kuffar and the hypocrites, but He reserved praise for those who did their best to be humble before Him, no matter what their faith, and we will all stand before Him on the Last Day. No scholar will be His substitute, nor a witness for your acts. You will bear no burden but your own and the burden of those you have mislead.

Islam is a religion of peace. It is now to us to become the expression of that peace.

Edited March 1, 2008 by Virtual wife

amrssnowangel · March 1, 2008

Everybody put forth a good debate and I'm educated more about Islam now because I've gotten responses from women who are actually in my shoes or can relate to me somehow. Whether it be the Bible or Quran the old stories and the new contradict each other when presented in a debate.
It's year 2008 and nobody sticks to their own religion or culture This forum is an example. I believe Muslims Jews Christians we're all brothers/sisters and we followed the same customs of marriage, human laws, and 10 commandments and we are under 1 God. Ismael and Isaac is where Islam started out of Judaism/Christianity and the PEOPLE/PRIESTS started creating new laws on what is right and wrong..ADAM + EVE = KIDS and Virtual wife thanks for posting why they used to have 4 wives back in the day. It makes sense now that Islam doesn't permit that 4 wives theory anymore b/c men take it in a different sexual context. My spouse repeated everything you said and confirmed that's what a true muslim believes only 1 man for 1 woman.

I believe people are the ones who rearranged God's laws to say a non-muslim is below a Muslim in marriage. God created us all how could he forsake the rest who don't believe in our same faith?

Wahrania I'm sorry and God forgive me for pointing this out but I believe you have Re-married again and by the Qurans rules you would be an adultress for remarrying? It's not right for myself or anybody else to judge Virtual Wife or any other muslima because the heart is what matters these days not laws from 2000 years ago.

I had meant to address the part in bold earlier. During this time of strife and division, the "sword verses" in the Quran get much more attention than the ones encouraging interfaith cooperation and God's mercy on humankind. They are among the most uplifting for our time.

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is

(he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). Q 49.13

To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what God hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If God had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to God; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute; Q 5.48

Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Q 2.62

Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness,- on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Q 5.69

Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians, Christians, Magians, and Polytheists,- God will judge between them on the Day of Judgment: for God is witness of all things. Q 22.17

And hold fast, all together, by the rope which God (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude God's favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth God make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided. Q 3.103

Allah did curse the kuffar and the hypocrites, but He reserved praise for those who did their best to be humble before Him, no matter what their faith, and we will all stand before Him on the Last Day. No scholar will be His substitute, nor a witness for your acts. You will bear no burden but your own and the burden of those you have mislead.

Islam is a religion of peace. It is now to us to become the expression of that peace.

I agree..... Each will stand before Allah on his/her own. Each held accountable for their lives as well as intentions of heart. Allah will and does direct those to the truth to those that seek for it. "Ask and ye shall recieve, knock and the door shall be opened unto you..." Even the Biblical truths say to ask, seek and you will find. The truth is in the words Allah has sent, and He has chosen different ways to send it and to different people at different times....

Beauty for Ashes · March 1, 2008

You are missing the logic of GEG's argument. The fact that it may or may not be permissible in Egypt, Algeria or Mars is beside the point if you accept the distinction she has made (and argued quite well) between the laws of Allah and those of men. Nowhere has she said that it is allowed by any government (laws of men--would say women as well, but tis not usually the case) although I am less convinced than you are that it is a legal impossibility in MENA. But, assuming for the sake of argument that it is not permitted anywhere in the Arab world, this does not contradict what she is saying. It leaves open the possibility that those man-made laws are misguided, the result of a rather sexist interpretation.
Full disclosure: I have a personal bias here as a Jewish woman married to a Muslim man. We have been supported by both of our families and our friends and have found our own path through it. Five years in and we are comfortable and secure in our marriage. It is a personal thing, how any couple deals with these issues, what compromises we make and how we negotiate those, how outside opinion affects you, etc. The only flack we get is from converts (I don't buy the revert semantics) quoting "scholars." The internet has only added to the problem, spreading cyber fatwa and sprouting experts. I value GEG's input to these discussions as she is one of the few people I know of on these boards who argues for herself from a knowledgeable point of view. I do not know enough about Islam to know if she is technically right or wrong, but she puts forth convincing arguments, presents the points against her own case and then wheighs the two sides. I admire the logic and the thought process.

Now, where the norms ie the cultural or legal implications as opposed to the religious ones of marrying outside of your religion are relevant is in regards to the OP's question. The fact that such marriages are rare in most cultures (much of America included) does mean that it is something we all have to face in our marriages. But, how much of a challenge this is varies alot as it usually comes down to individual and family dynamics. I don't think they are issues to be swept under the rug. If there are things that worry you about your partner's beliefs or if there is real family strain, they have to be taken seriously. But, to worry because of what Islam says instead of what your husband himself believes is creating problems where there are none. As polygamy is the most obvious and oft-touted example (if one more person asks me if my husband can have four wives...), it matters little that it is allowed in certain circumstances in the Quaran. What does matter is that it is something you and your fiance have discussed and agree on. Your husband to be need not answer for all of Islam.

I am very curious about your experiences in Algeria as a jew. Literally,if someone christian has prayer meetings, anyone who attends can and has been prosecuted as well as bibles confiscated if they are muslims. The worst thing that you can be accused of by some people is being called jewish. Did you experience any anti semitism or were you under surveillance in Algeria or did you find people curious and pleasant?

This isn't really true. Technically, there is basic freedom to practice in the Algerian constitution. I lived next to the church in Algiers and they had services every Sunday. My MIL grew up in the Casbah with Jews and Christians. Most of the real animosity and, quite frankly flat out ignorance, is very recent in Algiers and I think it is often overtstated. It is only helped by the fact that civil war drove most everyone out. The government walks a thin line and when they need to drum up some support or quell growing fundamentalism they can always play this card. They arrest some missionaries. It makes headlines. But, it is by no means the full story. As an American (already too visible) I kept rather quiet about my religion. But, in time, I don't think it mattered one lick to family or people who knew me. And I think this is important to remember because it applies the world round. I think it is individual experience that grinds away at prejudice.

overstated?Come on JP...everybody jewish lost all their money in the banks,their properties and thousands were massacred in Oran on July 5,1962 and their cemetaries defiled. Recently a muslim dr was sentenced to 2 years in jail for taking care of christians....its much more than slight. Tell that to the thousands of jews who lost everything they owned in Algeria...Tell that to the families of the Jews of Tlemcen who will never see the 15th century home of judaic thought....Its more than a card JP...its deeply ingrained distrust....I am sure if everyone knew you were jewish it would have been a whole different story....to blanketly say jews are welcome in algeria is wrong... Many helped the french in the algerian french war and were massacred along with pied noirs and harkis in the end....take a look at the list of the dead from 5 july 1962.....mostly jewish....derb in oran was the scene of horrible atrocities...Many jews collaborated against the algerians and worked with the french...this heightened the hatred and Boumedienne tossed them all out.....anti semitisim is rife in Algeria

Beauty for Ashes · March 1, 2008

Everybody put forth a good debate and I'm educated more about Islam now because I've gotten responses from women who are actually in my shoes or can relate to me somehow. Whether it be the Bible or Quran the old stories and the new contradict each other when presented in a debate.
It's year 2008 and nobody sticks to their own religion or culture This forum is an example. I believe Muslims Jews Christians we're all brothers/sisters and we followed the same customs of marriage, human laws, and 10 commandments and we are under 1 God. Ismael and Isaac is where Islam started out of Judaism/Christianity and the PEOPLE/PRIESTS started creating new laws on what is right and wrong..ADAM + EVE = KIDS and Virtual wife thanks for posting why they used to have 4 wives back in the day. It makes sense now that Islam doesn't permit that 4 wives theory anymore b/c men take it in a different sexual context. My spouse repeated everything you said and confirmed that's what a true muslim believes only 1 man for 1 woman.

I believe people are the ones who rearranged God's laws to say a non-muslim is below a Muslim in marriage. God created us all how could he forsake the rest who don't believe in our same faith?

Wahrania I'm sorry and God forgive me for pointing this out but I believe you have Re-married again and by the Qurans rules you would be an adultress for remarrying? It's not right for myself or anybody else to judge Virtual Wife or any other muslima because the heart is what matters these days not laws from 2000 years ago.

I had meant to address the part in bold earlier. During this time of strife and division, the "sword verses" in the Quran get much more attention than the ones encouraging interfaith cooperation and God's mercy on humankind. They are among the most uplifting for our time.

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is

(he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). Q 49.13

To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what God hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If God had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to God; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute; Q 5.48

Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Q 2.62

Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness,- on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Q 5.69

Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians, Christians, Magians, and Polytheists,- God will judge between them on the Day of Judgment: for God is witness of all things. Q 22.17

And hold fast, all together, by the rope which God (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude God's favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth God make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided. Q 3.103

Allah did curse the kuffar and the hypocrites, but He reserved praise for those who did their best to be humble before Him, no matter what their faith, and we will all stand before Him on the Last Day. No scholar will be His substitute, nor a witness for your acts. You will bear no burden but your own and the burden of those you have mislead.

Islam is a religion of peace. It is now to us to become the expression of that peace.

Its actually against the law in algeria for a muslima to marry a non muslim

mudawana

History

Main articles: History of Algeria and Women and Islam

Its critics particularly focus on its implications for women (who have less right to divorce than men, and who receive smaller shares of inheritance) and sometimes for apostates (who are disinherited, and whose marriages may be nullified.) President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has declared that it must be revised[1] in the spirit of universal human rights and Islamic law. Reactions were mixed. Lachhab of the Islamist El Islah party declared that "We oppose these amendments which are contrary to Sharia, and thus to article 2 of the Constitution," whereas Nouria Hafsi of the pro-government RND declared "These timid amendments put forward a modern reading of the Sharia; the rights of women will finally be recognized by law." (El Watan, 10 October 2004.) As of early 2005 it has not been changed.

[edit] Marriage

Marriage is defined as a legal contract between a man and a woman.

The legal age of marriage is 21 for a man, 18 for a woman; judges may in special cases allow earlier marriage.

A man may marry up to four wives; if so, he must treat them equally and inform them in advance, and they may demand a divorce.

Marriage requires the consent of both parties and a gift by the groom of a dowry to the bride, as well as the presence of the bride's father or guardian (wali) and of two witnesses. The father of the bride may block the marriage, although her guardian may not. The marriage must be registered before a notary or legal functionary.

Marriage is forbidden between close relatives by descent, marriage, or nursing: thus a man may not marry his mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, stepmother-in-law, or stepdaughter-in-law, nor may he marry anyone who suckled from the same woman as he did, or from whom he suckled. A man may not be married to two sisters simultaneously.

Marriage is also forbidden between a couple who have divorced each other for the third time, unless the wife has since been married to someone else.

A Muslim woman may not marry a non-Muslim man, and a marriage may be annulled on the grounds of the spouse's apostasy.

A husband is required to provide for his wife to the best of his abilities, and to treat his wives equally if he marries more than one. (The husband's not doing so is grounds for divorce.) A wife is required to obey her husband and respect him as head of the family, to bring up and nurse his children, and to respect his parents and relatives. (No penalties are stipulated for the wife not doing so.)

A wife has the right to visit her parents and to receive visits from them, and has complete rights over her own property.

Adoption is forbidden: a child may be brought up as part of the family, but must be considered the child of its natural parents, that is what Islamic law calls Kafala.

Beauty for Ashes · March 1, 2008

I am not hear to debate you nor try to refute your points. Your opinions do not represent the majority of Muslims. I am not a deer in the headlights. I do not try to reinvent religion to suit my lifestyle choices. You did not grow up in Mena and yes it matters. No way would any lets say Algerian girl be supported in Algeria marrying a kuffar. Your american upbringing gave you alot more liberty to choose the things you wanted to do
It's ok, wahrania. I have come to the understanding that you are, as ipaula put it, a convert quoting scholars. That you can merely parrot what you have been told is no surprise. However, I did expect that after claiming expertise, taking an absolutionist position, launching personal attacks at me, and calling me a liar, that the least you could do is provide the audience the courtesy of a coherent and consistant explanation as to why you believe what you believe.

Instead, I can tell that you understood nothing I wrote, I can tell that you understand nothing you wrote. You are capable of little more than prideful dismissals based on a fantasy of experience that a trip or two to Algeria cannot validate.

In other words, PWMED

Thank you to all who have offered kind words and/or enjoyed my postings. I enjoy civil exchanges very much!

Its revert not convert. In Algeria, Jews were expelled by the thousands and their properties confiscated in 1962. If you have an israeli stamp in your passport,you will not get an algerian visa. If you bring bibles into the country,they will be confiscated and prostelytising is forbidden...in fact a muslim who distributed medicine paid for by a priest 3 months ago was imprisoned for 2 years. For you to say that Muslimas would be freely able to marry outside of Islam is an absolute joke.

Bismillah. May your knowledge and wisdom increase as your journey to Him quickens.

Its against Algerian law for a muslima to marry outside of Islam....mudawana.......