Title: Status of Existing Marriage and Prosepective Children when a Man Converts & the wife Remains Christian... Question: My brother-in-law is a resident in Saudi Arabia with his Christian wife. He recently embraced Islam and now plans to live out his life in the Middle East. His wife did not embrace Islam. She wants to have a child, but is now unsure about: the status of their marriage in the eyes of Western law and Islamic law. whether it is mandatory for the child (when born) to be born as a Moslem. whether she has the freedom to behave as a western woman ie. travel and meet with who she likes. If he wanted to dissolve the marriage, what would he have to do? See a solicitor in London? Thanks Answer: My answers that follow are based on the directives of the Qur'an and the Sunnah . Being related to the social aspects, there may, however, be some differences (and additional requirements) in the legislations of particular Muslim countries. My answers to your questions follow: Due to the express permission granted by the Shari `ah , a Muslim man is allowed to marry a Christian or a Jewish woman. In view of this permission, as well as in view of the guidance received from the Seerah [1] of the Prophet (pbuh) [2] , I am of the opinion that Islam recognizes the legal status of the existing marriage between the convert Muslim man and his Christian wife. As far as whether or not such marriage would be recognized by the Western Law is concerned, I would suggest that you consult a legal expert of the particular Western country about whose laws you want to get information; For my answer to your second question, please refer to one of my earlier responses titled: " What shall be the Religion of Children whose Parents Ascribe to Separate Faiths? "; This would really depend on the mutual understanding of the husband and wife and the degree of freedom that each is willing to grant to the other; The marriage may be dissolved, if the concerned parties so desire, at any place whether Saudi Arabia or the UK. Nevertheless, if the couple or any one of the two has to reside in London (or any other place), then it would be advisable that the dissolution of the marriage be registered and given a legal standing in the eyes of the law of that particular place as well. I hope this helps. Regards, August 24, 2001 [1] Historical accounts of the life and times of the Prophet (pbuh). [2] For details, please refer to the section titled: " Status of Existing Marriage at Conversion to Islam ' on our website.