Interfaith Love

As-Salaamu Alaikum brothers and sisters,

I was recently in a situation with a young man. I am a practicing Muslim and he was a practicing Christian. He grew up in a very religious household as the son of a pastor. We kept ourselves pure in every way, never touching or speaking with impure intent and in time built a beautiful friendship over two years that I hoped would one day bloom into something more by the grace of Allah.

Long story short, though he “loved” me, ultimately he decided that he could not look past the fact that I do not view Jesus (PBUH) as the son of God/God. There were many previous instances in our friendship where I felt my faith was questioned, and that in his eyes, I would be condemned eternally for not accepting this. I refuse to accept any truth other than Allah’s truth as I fear God - it would be the greatest loss of my life to reject my faith as my relationship with God is the most dear to me.

It was a heartbreaking decision, but as he made it clear that he would not be able to accept my faith as a husband, nor accept my faith being exposed to any children we had, I decided to end our friendship entirely, even in a non-romantic context.

I grew up in diverse community and have always been taught tolerance, acceptance and freedom of religion. Our faith teaches us that there is no compulsion in religion. I expect my loved ones to receive me with the same tolerance and acceptance that I give them.

Though I had always welcomed interfaith love in my life, I now understand why God has ordained for us to marry within our religion to someone who will understand our beliefs and will not persecute us in our own homes. I pray that we are all blessed by Allah with loving spouses, who are the coolness of our eyes and hearts inshAllah. I am still healing and at times in great emotional pain, but I am hopeful that Allah grant me something greater inshAllah.

Any kind words or prayers are welcome. Thank you for reading and may Allah bless you all today and everyday.