The Complexities of Interfaith Relationships
Relationships, in general, face hardships, but when you meet someone of a different faith, is it possible to meet in the middle? Interfaith relationships tend to face more challenges, as both individuals have to find an appreciation for each other’s religions. With the right amount of patience, communication, and respect, many find an interfaith relationship that can overcome anything.
Here are some statistics to add some perspective to interfaith relationships:
42% of marriages in the US are interfaith ones[1]
80% of those who are in interfaith marriages believe that having similar values is more important than having a similar faith[2]
Interfaith marriages have a failure rate that is 50% higher than same faith marriages. This would imply an almost 75% failure rate for interfaith marriages, 3 chances out of 4.
Meet Hazem and Maria. Hazem is of Muslim faith and Maria is Catholic. After meeting in 2013 on a soccer field in Waterloo, these two had an instant connection.
After two years together, they decided they wanted to be in it for the long run. Maria went to Egypt to meet Hazem’s family, and Hazem went to Panama to meet Maria’s family. They each realized there were multicultural differences to consider in their relationship and that serious conversations needed to be discussed.
Muslim faith frowns upon a man and woman living together if not married and believes that the woman needs to convert. Maria’s father did not like the idea of her having to change her faith after getting married. However, Hazem promised he would never force her to do so and that it was not a requirement in his eyes. Hazem’s father solved his conflict of interest by suggesting the couple take the next step in their relationship and get married.
Although it may seem Hazem and Maria and both of their families were all on board, there is no doubt there were difficult conversations the two had to have. There are a lot of things to consider entering a relationship such as this.
Respect is a huge part as both individuals need a mutual understanding of each other’s faith and beliefs without ever belittling the others. Acknowledging these differences and facing them head-on is crucial, and by doing so will give the two a deeper connection and love for one another. Hazem and Maria, being Islam and Christian, did share similar values and strong faith in God overall. Sometimes, focusing on similarities rather than your differences can help the couple build a stronger bond and realize even though their faiths are different, they both share a strong faith in something.
This relationship will force you to step out of your comfort zone. Anything that is challenging, is going to be uncomfortable. Sometimes, that’s where relationships experience the most growth, learning how to be uncomfortable and open around one another. Across from both of your differences, there will be things you may have to agree to disagree on.
Of course with marriage, children come into the question. This may be the hardest challenge of all, as the child being raised in an interfaith household, may become very confused on what faith they should follow, how the home will function, holidays, etc. The best solution many interfaith couples have found is to embrace both religions by sharing what is important to both of you about faith.
There is no doubt that this type of relationship is unique and challenging in its own ways, and takes a lot of patience and communication, something that Hazem and Maria have learned throughout the years together. Communication is what keeps them together. They have always been open about what they want and who they are. Although Hazem and Maria are still awaiting their wedding due to covid, these two continue to beat the odds against interfaith relationships, showing us that love truly can conquer all.
Loved Hazem & Maria’s story? Listen to the stories of real-life couples who overcome insurmountable odds in their pursuit of love only on Love Without Borders. It’ll make you want to fall in love again.
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