Title: Muslim Marriage Without the Shari'ah Question: Me and my husband were married in the U.S. We were not married in the islamic way.I have been told that we are living our lifes together in haraam. And that we are not truly married because of this and that we shouldn't of had our daughter living this way. Answer: This is absolutely untrue. The Shari'ah (Islamic Law) is so that it is implemented where it is valid. To some, getting married according to the Shari`ah is a way to maintain the spirit of law within the circumstances they exist in. However, because being married is a matter of Islamic legality not a religious sacrament, as in Christianity, then the marriage would relate to contracts and a legal framework. Since you were married in the United States then some form of legal aspect was sorted out to be recognized as husband and wife, this of course transfers and is recognized even by countries that follow some aspects of the Shari'ah. An aspect of the Shari'ah that should be considered is the issue of Mahr (i.e. dowry). The husband is obliged to offer a certain amount to the future wife and she may accept or reject the offer. They both should agree to the amount or the wife may choose not to take any amount foregoing her right to the Mahr . You have not been living in sin, nor is your child illegitimate. Unfortunately, the information you have received is faulty. You should rest assured that you have done nothing wrong. I only recommend that when you are receiving any sort of information, no matter how small it is, be very critical and very selective in your decisions of accepting an opinion. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan April 11, 2005