Re: Muslim women marrying non-muslim Men
i'm sorry but i entirely disagree with you there, Niksik... there is no compulsion in Islam. you cannot force anyone to change their religion and emotionally blackmail them into doing it by telling them "if you loved me, you'd do this for me"... i'd rather be with someone who is honest to himself and his beliefs, than with someone who would simply say the words and convert to please others.
put yourself in the guy's situation... would you ever give up one of your beliefs or principles for the person you love, even if its something that you don't agree with? would you do it for society? say eating pork was fundamental to their personal beliefs. and they said, if you loved me, you'd eat pork with me. what would you do?
simply saying the shahada does not a muslim make- the process of conversion is based on what is in your dil and your niyat- not on words. i know a lot of muslim guys who were born muslim but barely practice and go out of their way to smoke, drink, and date. is it better to marry someone like that? or to marry someone who makes you happy, is a good person inside, and shares your values and principles? Allah is the one who gives "hidayat" to all of us, and Allah knows best- perhaps this is part of His plan and all we can do is pray that Allah does what is best for us. there is a lesson in everything.
perhaps marrying a non-Muslim is the way to bring both parties closer to Islam somehow? perhaps it is "meant to be"? who are we to judge? the best anyone can do is stick to their beliefs (whatever they are) as closely as possible and pray to Allah for guidance and forgiveness.