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Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage

New MessageMuslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) NillWong
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It is commonly understood that, in Malaysia, when a non-Muslim marries to a Muslim, the former must be converted to Muslim, regardless whether a husband or a wife. However, I would like to find out a little more about foreigner situations.

(1) If a husband from People's Republic of China intend to marry to a Malaysian Muslim wife, and the registration is performed in Malaysia, whether or not, he must be converted to Muslim?

(2) Expending from the above question, if the Muslim wife is not originated from Malaysia, for instance, migration from Indonesia, Arab, China, etc., whether or not the husband and wife are also bound by Malaysia Syariah Law?

(3) Whether a non-Malaysian citizen Muslim, viz. s/he is originated from countries via migration or work permit or marriage to Malaysian muslim, or other means, is also regulated by Syariah Law, or civil law?

Your advice is greatly appreciated.

13 Feb, 2006 23:50:12

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) LoyerBrook
1. The husband has to convert to Islam.

2. You have to understand and know his or her CITIZENSH; Malaysian Muslim's "Future Spouse" is normally advised to convert before marriage. About Foreign Citizens' problems, it is all their individual preferences. you must NOT MIX Marriage with Religion.

Whether you are in Malaysia or in ANY OTHER Country, you, as a reponsible person MUST Observe the Country's Law.

In Malaysia, BOTH the Syariah Law AND Civil Law apply to Muslim Citizens and Muslim Foreigners. Civil Law regulated for General Enforcement.

14 Feb, 2006 19:21:41

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) NillWong
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Dear LoyerBrook,

Thank you for your advice.

With regard to your 2nd answer, I am not too clear. Are you saying that, "when a non-Muslim (regardless whether a foreigner or a Malaysian citizen) marries to a foreign Muslim who resides in Malaysia (as far as s/he has not obtained Malaysian citizenship status), and registration is done in Malaysia, the conversion to Muslim of his/her spouse is not mandatory, subject to the own preference of his/her spouse"?

Please advise. Thank you.

15 Feb, 2006 10:23:18

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) Loyerbrook
The non-muslim Foreigner who intends to marry a Muslim Spouse who is also a Foreigner, and would like to obtain Malaysian Marriage Certificate are also advised to convert to Islam in Malaysia.

There is nothing wrong with ANY True Faith of Genuine Religions that people all over the World have devoted to believe in, and for more than a thousand of years.

Of course, it is personal preference, only God knows whether you are sincere and fateful to your spouse or not.

My personal advise:

If you really love your spouse, love his or her religion too. What's wrong? It is just a matter of learning and understanding more about it and then, most importantly ACCEPT and BELIEVE IT. You'll be alright.

15 Feb, 2006 20:13:14

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) Ah Seng888
Because it is not a legal, you must cut the pass water first. They call it sunat. Very painful. After that cannot be very palyful also. Thats why Malay girls always like to see Chinese boys after marriage. Because the husbands pass water already is cut off.

Maybe you can the appeal. It is like high court and ask for caveat emptor.

04 Mar, 2006 16:17:47

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) Talk Rock
Ah Seeeeeeg brother! You really know how to talk rock huh?
04 Mar, 2006 18:22:01

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) love love
Interesting information but I am still confused. I am a Malaysian non-muslim and my man is a Muslim Iraqi. Must I convert to Islam if we get married in Malaysia? if yes, do you know any country where I do not have to convert? His uncle married a Christian in their country and she didnt have to convert. thanks!
05 Jun, 2010 23:35:11

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) LoyerBrook
We have to consider Theoretical, Practical and more Tactical Applications while implementing such conscience from the Heart.

If an Iraqi Muslim has his Muslim Name and Religion clearly stated in the ID Card and Passport, then you have no alternative, but to convert to Islam before marriage. This is to prevent future predicaments in Malaysia.

Tactically, you could get married and obtain Marriage Certificate outside Malaysia. BUT... not encouraged if you planned to have children in near future.

23 Jun, 2010 08:29:08

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) meichenxiang
The closest most easiest place would be Singapore. It is a secular country. Even Muslim S'poreans who choose to marry non-Muslims can do so in the civil court which is a proper, marriage court protected by charters etc. Therefore, even if you wish to have children later in any part(s) of the world, it won't pose a problem because the law is an internationally recognised law, hence, internationally recognised marriage certificate. It mirrors the British law.

I personally know of many Malaysian Malay men and women who, in their home country, have to abide by Islamic laws because being Malay is synonymous with being Muslim in Malaysia; then choose to marry their non-Muslim spouses in Singapore because nobody has to convert or revert to any particular faith.

You can check the Registry of Marriages website from Singapore. They make it so simple because the country has a very strong pro-family policy.

16 Mar, 2011 15:25:47

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) smokie
if a Malaysian Muslim man and a Malaysian Chinese lady choose to register with the Singapore Marriage registry, would the Malaysian Shariah Law recognised and validate this Certificate ? and if the couple choose to reside together, would they be submit to khalwat (close proximity) charges ?
24 Mar, 2011 18:37:59

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) meichenxiang
Hi Smokie,
From what I know, it would not be a problem. The Singapore marriage cert does not state any religion(s), just both your names, the 2 witnesses' names and the signature of The Justice of the Peace.

As for the M'sian shariah law recognising it, I personally do not think it is up to them because it is a civil law certificate. Why would you want the shariah court to see it anyway? It is just like the civil marriage cert in M'sia, I don't think the non-Muslims need toustify their actions to the Shariah court.

The difference is, nobody has to convert or revert to anything. Nobody has to become a Muslim to marry another Muslim. No, it legally states that both of you are legally married and as it is not under Muslim law, the khalwat thing would not apply to you.

To start with, there are so MANY MANY MANY Malaysian Malay-Muslim couples who are NOT legally (or whatever ways) married who have been living together for years who have never ever been caught for khalwat. So don't worry yourself about it. The certificate carries alot of weight. They can challenge it in court.

Basically, it states both your names. How you live, they cannot actually discern it.

Hope that helps?

11 Apr, 2011 12:59:10

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) Nelson
Hi meichenxiang,

Thanks for your information. they help. but i heard to get married in singpore both have to stay in at least 15 days. am i right?

1 question: would it be any problem to register baby in the future?

thanks

21 Apr, 2011 18:43:22

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) Mike
@meichenxiang,
You speak as if you understand Syariah Law which I doubt that you do because you obviously dont.

@smokie,
Your marriage in Singapore will NOT be valid in Malaysia because marriages between Muslims and non Muslims is prohibited under Islamic law of Malaysia. However it might be valid in other countries.

In khalwat matter, if you do get caught your muslim spouse will be charged (not you) for khalwat because you both have no valid certificate to proof your legal marriage under Islamic Law of Malaysia.

Furthermore, if you plan to have kids, issues will arise especially during registering the baby in JPN.

Easiest way to evade this is just reside in Singapore.

08 Jun, 2011 12:07:17

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) Warren
Ya Malaysia is forcing you to convert into Muslim.
21 Jun, 2011 23:16:42

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) ornithine
hi there, here is my question.
i have a chinese friend who his parents are chinese convert islam. now he want to convert to other religion. how should he apply?
can you state the procedure?
12 Jan, 2012 23:20:23

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) meichenxiang
mike
You speak as if you DON'T know the Syariah law and it shows.

I happen to know the Syariah law because I am a practising lawyer.
I was awarded 'High Distintction' for the Syariah courses that I took in Law School.
I was born into a Muslim family.
Both my parents have postgraduate degrees in Syariah Law.

I got married in Singapore and my spouse is non-Muslim. We live in Shah Alam (not even in KL where it is supposedly more 'liberal') and have had no problems so far. We have three children who are all non-Muslims.

Most people make assumptions about how strict the Malaysian law can be when it comes to such matters. The truth is, most things are left up to the individual(s). If you don't make it an issue, it would not be an issue.

12 Mar, 2012 12:27:30

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) hopeful
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@meichenxiang

Thanks so much for what you wrote! If you can do it, then surely, others can too! Up until now, the moment a girl told me she was Muslim, I would completely dismiss the thought of ever dating her. I just would not want to deal with the inevitable situation of forced conversion. I'm a Freethinker, and if I were forced to covert, obviously I'd no longer be free!

I recently met a Freethinker who I thought was Chinese, gorgeous woman, funny, and a Freethinker...but I later found out she was a Muslim...since I'm British, I even thought of taking her back to the UK if we ever decided to get married etc, but wasn't sure if my UK marriage license would be accepted by Malaysia.

However, I would love to know how I and others can do it, based on what you've done...is there a way I can get in contact with you? Can I post a PM through this message board? Would love to hear from you!

Thanks!

15 Mar, 2012 01:58:43

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) foolate
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Hi meichenxiang.

How do you go about your children registering your children as Malaysians?

Would like to speak to you more about this if you have an email that I may reach you at, or a general email would be fine. Thanks!

03 Apr, 2012 01:08:54

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) Desperatetoknow
To meichenxiang:

Excuse me if im asking a stupid question after having read these threads but my fiance and I would like to get married in malaysia but only by a nikah ceremony...here r my questions that im hoping u can answer in a very simple way

1) can a male muslim foreigner marry a non muslim foreigner in malaysia...r there any parts of malaysia that do this? We want only to do a nikah ceremony which.leads to the next question....

2) can foreigners on vacation have a nikah ceremony only without having to get a govt.certificate of marriage? Again, im a
sking if this is possible based on the female not being muslim of course.

07 Apr, 2012 04:23:06

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) shelhee
Hi meichenxiang, do you mind to provide me your email? I have the exact situation like you, i would like to seek for your advice Hope you don't mind because I need someone to help me desperately.
14 May, 2012 15:55:15

New MessageRE:Muslim and Non-Muslim Marriage (modified 0 times) shel hee
Hi meichenxiang, this is my email. shel.oct25@yahoo.com .. could you please email me ? hope to hear from you soon thank you ))
14 May, 2012 15:58:32


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