Western woman divorced from muslim man. obligation to bring child up muslim?

Question

little contact with father, not in muslim environment. living with new family. any advice please.

Answer 1

You are under no obligation to bring up any child into any religion.

There might be some coercion, however, in some situations. Doesn't sound like you are under such pressures, though.

Answer 2

You are under no obligation.  You do what feels right and what is right for your child.

They can always make up their own mind at a later date if they want to change.

Answer 3

No matter what religion the woman has but married to a muslim man, their child should follow the Father's religion which is muslim, as written in Islam. But since you are divorced, it has been written in muslim religion that the child still has to follow Islam and i'm quite sure that Father will never agree with you changing the child's religion unless you find a way to really convince him to.

Answer 4

I wouldn't bring my child up in a religion that disrespects women and promotes violence. You have no obligation.

Answer 5

u shud bring up ur child how u see fit - if the child to take up fathers religion that will happen in time but u no longer married to the father so i dont think u have an obligation to his fathers religion at all. this child is part of you too

Answer 6

What you can do is bring him up to appricate all religions, you dont seem to be under any pressures to bring him up under any religion, so do what you think is best, I wouldnt cut religion from his life though but he can make his own choices to when he is older

Answer 7

You are asked to obey the laws and statutes of United Kingdom.

Anything else is Gods Laws or man made impositions.

God is good and forgiving, but man made laws from religions are harsh, and need not be obeyed.

Follow your conscience and be good and kind to your children.

Lucy.

Answer 8

In my opinion you should teach your child about Islam, as well as your own faith/beliefs.  When the child is older he or she can decide what beliefs they feel are right for them.

My father comes from a strict Baptist family and my mother was raised with little to no religion.  Whilst my Mom and Dad were married in the Baptist church, my mother insisted that we not be Baptised until we were old enough to make the decision for ourselves.  My sister was later Baptised in the church, whereas I have adopted Buddhism as a religion.

I know of several situations where families have exposed their children to multiple faiths.  Examples are a Greek Orthodox man that married an Italian Catholic woman.  Their young daughter knows the prayers and songs of both faiths, in three different languages.  Another example is a Ukranian Orthodox Man married to a 6th or 7th generation British/Canadian that is Catholic.  Their three kids went to Catholic elementary school, but still treasure the traditions associated with being Ukranian Orthodox.

If you teach your youngster at a young age about different faiths and cultures, they will have a great appreciation for them when they are older.

Answer 9

No. I was raised in a Jewish home and I have always been told "name of the father, religion of the mother".  Good luck and God bless.

Answer 10

Yes, Take yourself and your child to an Islamic country. You can no longer call yourself a Western woman.

Answer 11

You shouldn't have married a muzzie in the first place.  Anyway, you're not under any obligation to bring the children up in any religion.  I just wonder what the your ex will do.  Violence to those fruit cakes is nothing.  

Answer 12

Let your child decide for him/herself when they get older and can understand what the teachings of the Islamic religion are all about. Do not feel pressured into doing something you or your child don't want to do. It should be a personal choice.

Answer 13

the child of a muslim man is classed as a muslim regardless of the mothers religion. it doesnt matter that you are now divorced from the childs father you still have to bring him/her up as a muslim because that is his/her rightful religion. if you dont know enough about the religion then go to your local mosque and they will advise you. as for the ignorant people who have given you advise below then they need to go and do some research into the religion before they comment, islam doesnt disrespect women it was the first religion to give women rights and this was 1400 years ago whereas the western world only recognised women as having rights 400 years ago.

Answer 14

is western a religion? there are western muslim too. duh.

to answer your Q, teach the kids both the religions and let him/her choose when they grow up. it's that simple.

Answer 15

Firstly, the divorce was a smart move. Bring the child up however you feel is correct.

Answer 16

The answer is, you are under no obligation.

My advice, however, is to teach him something about his father's religion so that he understands what it really means to be a Muslim. Young men in search of themselves are very vulnerable to organisations like Al-Qaeda that offer them meaning and purpose - so you don't want him to have any big unanswered questions.  

Answer 17

He's obviously not a very good Muslim if he married you in the 1st place!

I wouldn't worry - don't do it!