Marrying a Christian Woman... Does Islam permit a Muslim to marry a Christian woman if she denies to become a Muslim? If yes, how should be kids brought up? Reply According to a clear directive of the Qur'an ( 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 (Jew or Christian). Thus, it is not essential for the woman to convert to Islam only for the purpose of making the marriage acceptable in the eyes of Islam. As far as the bringing-up of children of such parents is concerned, this question needs consideration from two separate standpoints. In a general sense, there would obviously be no difference of opinion, and therefore no conflict among the parents regarding good moral and ethical training of these children and the development and inculcation of the universally accepted virtues and values. No religion, as we know, teaches any immorality or promotes any unethical behavior. In a purely religious sense, however, a question may be asked regarding what shall be the religious affiliation of these children. This question is basically the result of a general misconception about religious affiliation of an individual, according to which every child born in a Christian family is held to be a Christian and the one born in a Muslim or a Jewish family is considered a Muslim or a Jew respectively. Nevertheless, the actual religious affiliation of the individual is the one to which he, after due consideration, consciously likes to ascribe to. In the mentioned case, therefore, the children being independent individuals, should be given the freedom of choice, which is the basic right of all individuals. No one - not even the parents - has a right to enforce his/her choice of religion on the child. Thus, in my opinion, when the father and the mother of a child ascribe to different religions, both of them have a right to introduce and teach the child about the beliefs and practices of his/her religion. However, it is ultimately the choice of the child, at the time of his mental maturity that shall decide about the set of beliefs that he ascribes to. I hope this helps. In case any question remains unanswered or if any further detail is required on any specific aspect, please feel free in writing back to me at your own convenience. May the Almighty guide us all to the path of His liking. My fondest regards to you and those around you. The Learner