Two Religion Marriage

[Mustafa and Jenni 1]

Not sure where to post this, so I hope this is all right.

I realize this site is not really a marriage counseling site, but I am interested in connecting with any couples maintaining two different religions, particularly if you have the same religion as either of us. I am a Latter-Day Saint and M. is Shia.

We both have determined to support and enjoy each others' religion and to make sure that both of us has the opportunity to practice what we believe. Obviously this is the case, or we wouldn't be together if it was an issue between us. Also, I have a fair amount of knowledge of Islam due to friends and to my emphasis in my history bachelor's degree (Islamic history).

However, I would love to hear of anyone's experiences of being married to someone who was either Shia or LDS or any couple with differing religions, and what the issues you have encountered and how you solved them . . . or didn't.

If any couple that is very similar to us that would be interested in a long term friendship, I would love to give and get mutual support, since neither M. nor I are going to find it in our usual circles.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

This thread should be moved to the MENA board.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Thread moved from the Politics & Religion Discussion forum to the MENA Regional forum as a better location for the OP to receive the information he requests

[KittyPollitt 284]

My husband is Sunni Muslim, and I am Mahayana Buddhist. I was born Catholic, but have been practicing Buddhism for about 12 years. We have an 18 month old daughter, who we are raising Muslim.

We just don't discuss religion in philosophical terms. We can discuss it as it relates to our daughter, but when it comes down to the rhetoric of our respective religions, it can get ugly. I don't believe in organized monotheistic religion, and he was raised in a country where the King is also their religious leader. I respect Islam and it's teachings are sound. I also feel that practising Buddhism should be a choice one makes, so I didn't have an issue with my husband wanting to raise our daughter Muslim. I think kids need to be given spiritual direction at a young age, before they are able to choose for themselves.

Overall, it's been 3 years we've been together, and religion hasn't ever been an issue in our relationship. Admittedly, there is a lot of give from my side about it.

From what I understand about Latter Day Saints (from my many meetings with missionaries over the years), there is much more that Mormons share with Shia Muslims than there are differences- both are considered by the "mainstream" (by no means my personal opinion) to be a "lesser" denomination , and both have a tendency to be more literal in their interpretation of their respective holy books, having a more traditional way of life.

my thoughts to you is to find what you have in common, and focus more on those things as a couple. I hope things work out for you

Edited May 3, 2011 by squeaky580

[kristen_maroc 126]

Hello!

I would love to have a "support group" online for people like us. I am Christian (Presbyterian/Methodist), my fiance is Sunni. We plan on having a two-religion marriage. I know a few other people in similar situations... is anyone interested in setting up a yahoo or google group for this? I know I would be interested, for sure.

Peace

K

[Danni and Hamza 36]

Hello

I'm LDS, and my husband is Muslim! We both let each other practice our own religions, no pressure to convert from either side! we both agree that everyone has to make their own choices, without pressure. We are newly married, and still working out all the kinks, of how we will teach our children. Right now we are planning on attending each others meetings, to show solidarity, support, and respect of each others religions, and choices. We have both agreed to learn more, and as much as we can about each others religions. To have a better understanding of each other. We will celebrate all holidays from both religions, together. Holidays are a time to be happy and celebrate. We both agree that we want to celebrate each others happiness together. So far we have only had the opportunity to share Easter together, and that went great! As you know LDS ppl are big on their family home evenings, and Hamza wants to bring more discussion of God into the home too. SOooooo something new we are going to try to do is an interfaith family home evening. There are many Koran search engines online, and LDS.org has a scripture search. So we are going to search in both search engines a common theme...Ex. Charity, and take the lessons from both, and share both thoughts, and ideas. The scriptures, and Koran have very similar teachings on basic principles. We have not put this into practice yet, but we are excited to try it.The only thing we really are having a bit of hard time working out, is how to teach any children we might have. We are still trying to work out the best way to share major gosple principles. Other things we are stuck on making a decision about are things like blessings, baptism, sacrament....or confession of faith, and paying tithe(or Alms). We know we will share both religions. Both religions have similar expectations for children as far as dating,family,social,dietary,modesty in dress. So that will be fairly easy. For the most part, we are going to teach our children what we know, raise them to be good ppl, and hope they make the best choices for themselves. Which I think is all anyone can really do.

The following are a couple websites,that entertain the idea of a connection btw LDS,and Muslim people. I really love the Youtube video! If you ever want to chat send me a personal message.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXs0gp3jWo8

http://www.nephiproject.com/Newsletter/NP%20Newsle%5B1%5D.%20Oct%20(Final).pdf

http://www.meridianmagazine.com/articles/081003white.html

http://articles.latimes.com/2008/apr/02/local/me-morlims2

http://mormonism.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_muslim_mormon_connection

http://www.mormonmuslim.com/

http://mormonwoman.org/2010/03/15/ask-a-mormon-woman-what-do-mormons-think-about-islam/

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=bbaba1615ac0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

[Ayman___ 92]

Not sure where to post this, so I hope this is all right.

I realize this site is not really a marriage counseling site, but I am interested in connecting with any couples maintaining two different religions, particularly if you have the same religion as either of us. I am a Latter-Day Saint and M. is Shia.

We both have determined to support and enjoy each others' religion and to make sure that both of us has the opportunity to practice what we believe. Obviously this is the case, or we wouldn't be together if it was an issue between us. Also, I have a fair amount of knowledge of Islam due to friends and to my emphasis in my history bachelor's degree (Islamic history).

However, I would love to hear of anyone's experiences of being married to someone who was either Shia or LDS or any couple with differing religions, and what the issues you have encountered and how you solved them . . . or didn't.

If any couple that is very similar to us that would be interested in a long term friendship, I would love to give and get mutual support, since neither M. nor I are going to find it in our usual circles.

My Wife Is Catholic And I'm Muslim We Believe In One God And It Never Has Been An issue Between Us About Religion.We Love Each Other And Our Families Support Us.And I'm Lucky To Have Her In My Life.GOD BLESS YOU

[kristen_maroc 126]

So... I don't know if this will be useful or pick up momentum, so to speak, but I created a google group for people who might want to share on a more private level. If you search for google groups, it's under "interfaithfamily." My thought is for it to be for Christian (yes, in my understanding, that includes LDS) women married/engaged to Muslim men, but the goal certainly isn't to be exclusive at ALL, just to have a space for people who might relate to a rather unique experience. Anyway, feel free to request membership if you think it might be good to have a place to go through the process with people in similar situations.

[Mustafa and Jenni 1]

Thank you everyone!

[thelastpetitioner 218]

im a shia ( but plan to convert to christianity ) and my fiance is a born christian but currently agnostic.you know its funny believe he was a none believer before,but this process has been so difficult that we both realized you cant do it without having faith in a higher power.

what can really be useful is opening your partners eyes to your religion.

on and all,i think if you are accepting of other people and other religions,you will learn a lot and become even more peaceful.