It is quite difficult to comment on the allowance and/or prohibition of a 'close relationship', as obviously, that would ultimately depend on the nature of that 'close relationship'. Thus, to be able to give any meaningful comments on the allowance/prohibition of a 'close relationship', you will have to give a precise explanation of the phrase 'close relationship'. I would therefore restrict myself to commenting on the allowance/prohibition and suggestions regarding marriage. Marriage between a Muslim man and a Christian woman is allowed under the Islamic Shari`ah (law). According to the Qur'an ( Surah Al-Maaidah 5: 5), a [chaste] Muslim man can marry a chaste Muslim woman or a chaste woman from amongst the people of the Book [1] . About the second part of your question, which relates to any suggestions that I may like to give you in relation to marriage between a Muslim man and a Christian woman, I do not think that there could be any universal set of suggestions that can be given in all such cases. A number of important variables like the understanding of one's own religious beliefs and practices, appreciation of the beliefs and practices of the other person, commitment with these beliefs and practices and variation in socio-cultural factors make it extremely difficult to draw any universal set of suggestions that could be applicable in all such situations. However, based on common sense, my suggestion - please bear in mind that I am not a social scientist and an expert in the field of social relations - is that both individuals should first of all try to develop a good understanding of their own beliefs; next they should - with empathy toward the other - try to appreciate the beliefs of the other person; matters pertaining to religion should be discussed in an intellectual rather than an emotional atmosphere; hearts and minds should be kept open for whatever is understood to be the truth; even in these discussions, the basic driving force should always be mutual respect and love and affection toward each other; both the husband and the wife should respect each other's beliefs and facilitate and help each other in living a life that is in accordance with his/her respective beliefs and its prescribed practices; the attitude of self-righteousness should be avoided at all costs. Although I know that these are only general suggestions and may not be of much use for you, but due to the lack of adequate and direct knowledge of the two individuals and their socio-cultural environment, I am afraid this is all that I can offer. 13 th January 2000 [1] 'People of the Book' is a Qur'anic term for the Jews and the Christians. Answer published by Moiz Amjad