Interfaith Marriages : A Comparison of Religious and Social Perspectives

Globalization is a growing phenomenon affecting all aspects of human life including religious affiliation of people. The technological advancements have overlooked the geographical boundaries and given birth to multicultural societies where people are getting into interfaith relations. Women are contracting marriages spawning outside the folds of specific faiths, their motives can be varied however the end result remains as it is, i.e. “interfaith marriage”. International Human rights movements, convention and treaties are quickly transforming the existing balance (i‘tidaȃl) between the genders towards equilibrium. Recent social and cultural changes have altered marriage (consequently the family) in the West to a significant degree, while Islamic marriage or family institution could not remain uninfluenced. Muslims are facing a divided society; those who favor the modern thoughts and those who want to stay attached to their traditions and cultures. Interreligious marriages include complex legal and social issues as diverse legal systems are involved. The aim of this paper is to compare the both religious and social perspectives in the light of their primary sources.