Interfaith Marriage - Muslim & Sikh

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Shernee,

I also did mention in my post somewhere regarding the Rehat Maryada, that a Sikh should only marry a Sikh. I don't think there is nothing wrong with telling the potential non-Sikh partner to embrace Sikhism, but you won't do so by insulting him. Every religion has there own beliefs as to why theirs is the "true" religion. You and me know why Sikhism is the truth, but maybe our approach is different, on passing on the message to others.

Sikhism is not like Islam trying different tactics to convert non-Muslims or knocking on doors like Jehovah's witness. In Islam and Christianity, people impose their religion on us so they get get their reward in heaven for it. Sikhs pray for the better of humanity not for self-gain. Like someone said to me "Do not impose, inspire".

“Repeat Naam yourself, and inspire others to repeat it as well.” (Ang 290).

Bhul Chuk Maaf.

 
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ok ... so even though i categorically state taht i will not convert her ... and that interfaith marriages with hindu and christians are acceptable .. the only objection that remains (outside the usual cultural ones) is that i am going agianst my faith?

Makkanz

Basically, you are both going against your faith.

As I said before if you marry a Sikh, your marriage will not be vaild in Islam.

In Sikhism, a Sikh should marry a Sikh.

However, saying all that in the end it is up to you both. From personal experience it's not any easier for a Sikh to get married to a person of a different faith, but it tends to be harder when it is a Sikh-Muslim marriage. As reasons explained in my previous posts.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/love-and-marriage/14946-interfaith-marriage-muslim-and-sikh.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14946

Hope this helps.

thanks for the explanation

Indeed, it is the modern age and people can, will and should do what they like. But trying to address this question without acknowldeging the fact that any person who is a ***** and marries a muslim, and will face the ostracization of certainly some or many of the greater muslim community, is I think, a bit unrealistic and dishonest. No matter what the personal disposition is, the communal one will be different in this matter.

Yes i agree, certain elements of the community, both muslim and sikh, and probably a majority would ostracize both people in the relationship. I have no doubt about that .... but the odd thing is that it is acceptable to marry non-mulsims but not muslims and vice versa.. even though our cultures do have a large number of similarities including language, music etc etc depending on where you are from. To live in a foreign culture and for it to be acceptable to marry say christian but not a muslim? Is the christian less distant from your culture than a muslim? Maybe more accepting. I do complete agree that the impression of muslims in general is not very good at all. I believe there is a fundamental problem with the religion in that for some reason (despite its teachings) the cultures that follow it do not value women. There is a certain shallowness within muslim males in general which does indicate a lack of emotional development. I dont know why this is and i find it really holds the religion back in its acceptance. I am sorry i don't buy this conversion or kaffir view points even though they do happen. People should convert (from one religion to another) only if that religion matches their values and beliefs. Conversion for the sake of acceptance or to be saved is the wrong reason. I am not saying it doesn't help, but i am asking, are you really being true to yourself?Then there is the topic of children. Very complicated, i have a belief that in a mixed marriage, all children should be brought up to understand at least both religions and then make a choice when they are ready. Most religions do not have contrary beliefs in what they teach you about life. It is only when you start looking at history and events in that religion then there is a difference.

dear makkanz

at present you are quite seculer in beleif.but what if in future you want to follow islam strickly or the girl want to follow sikhism strickly.then obvoiusly there will be differences.

My 2cents worth on this -

if the girl wants to marry then that is it. she knows about ur faith and if its not a concern for her then what is the issue.

this whole thing about i am not asking her to convert to islam or to whatever other faith happens to be in interfaith marriage is really of minimal importance in my opinion - cause u know about eachothers faiths when u meet and as your relationship developed it was off no concern to her and to you.
The real point of concern is kids - what they gonna be. you and your family will drag to one set of view point and she will do the same - presuming that both of you are religiously minded. so i actually think its better if she converts. in sense your marriage life will be happy. u guys wont have issues coming up and bothering you later on in life.
seen it happen - its just sound very cool we will follow our own faiths and it is ok till u have kids and they hear conflicting stories from grandparents.
My response presumes both of u are religious and it will be big part in your future life. if its not the case then why worry. if one of you doesn't really care or not that bothered about religion then its ok. just go for it.

We have agreed the kids will be sikh. I am not strongly religious and as long as the kids have good values and morals, to me that is the most important thing. I have started learning about her background and beliefs so i can understand better. And also because it is important to her.