Worth the Risk: A Mormon-Muslim Marriage

Mohamed: I greatly appreciate Sylvia's church community for being very welcoming to me.

If you have children, how do you raise them within a multi-faith household?

Sylvia: This remains to be seen!

Mohamed: As a parent, I believe that the kids have to know both traditions by bringing them to church and the mosque and allowing them to make their decision when they grow up.

Where do you notice your faith "difference" the most? The least?

Sylvia:  Probably most in certain doctrinal aspects, such as the divinity of Jesus Christ, but that does not come up in everyday conversation.

Mohamed: I notice that the main difference is in how we view Jesus. In Islam we believe in Jesus as a prophet like others. On the other hand, Christians in general don't believe in Muhammad as a prophet. The common point is that each believer hopes to go to heaven.

How did you blend your religious rituals and customs in your wedding?

Sylvia:  We had civil ceremonies in both Morocco and the U.S., and so we successfully sidestepped that issue! If I had known, we should have gotten married in a mosque in the U.S. so that we'd have a marriage certificate that's American and also recognized in the Muslim world, instead of two separate marriage certificates.

Have your basic beliefs regarding matters of faith changed since marriage?

Sylvia:  I like being Mohamed's guide to the Mormon world, and I feel responsible for how my testimony reflects in our relationship, and how I have to be an example for him. I think it also helps that I don't expect him to convert. 

Mohamed: Of course, I get to know more about Mormonism and Christianity in general. I find out that all religions (Islam, Christian...) have the same objectives and different ways to get there. Furthermore, I think we need to move away from division, and focus more on our common points.

Do you feel that the passion or completeness of your faith has diminished since marriage?

Sylvia:  Not really. He is very consistent about reminding me to keep my church responsibilities!

Mohamed:  Yes, I feel that I understand more about what others believe and I respect them even though we disagree.

Do you feel your partner supports you in your faith journey?

Sylvia: Absolutely!

Mohamed: She does. I greatly appreciate her support during the holy month. She tries to fast some days even she breaks the fast at 2 p.m.

And on the other side of the coin, do you feel pressured by your partner to conform to his/her faith?

Sylvia: No.

Mohamed: No, I enjoy sharing my beliefs with others.

What other wisdom and stories would you like to share from your experience in an interfaith marriage?

Sylvia:  I always tell people that marriage is challenging regardless of the religious backgrounds. I also point out that there are many enabling factors in our relationship that help us, like the fact that neither of us grew up in orthodox religious households. 

Sylvia Cabus is originally from the Philippines and grew up in California. She works as an analyst with an international development consulting firm. Mohamed Ahammam is originally from Ouarzazate Province in Morocco, and is an MBA student at Trinity University in Washington D.C.   

Read more interviews with interfaith couples here.

Visit the Public Square on Interfaith Marriage here.