Q: this isnt a religious question, just one out of curiosity, I know a Lebanese girl whose father christian and mother muslim. I hear in Egypt such a thing is illegal but I wonder in Syria is it the same? Note: I am aware this goes against Sharia Law but I am reffering to Syrian Law The question basically is Can a SYRIAn christian marry a Muslim woman without having to convert religion.
A: Syria is a secular country and there are no particular laws about religion, however, there are unwritten (cultural, perhaps is a better term) laws inherent to Syrian society. In many cases- particularly among the lower classes- a non-Muslim is "required" to convert to Islam in order to mary a Muslim girl. A non-Muslim girl, however, is permitted to keep her religion if she marries a Muslim man. Again, I must point out that there is no law requiring this, however, Syrian respect for culture and tradition has put pressure on many to maintain this rule. Still, in order to fully understand this rule, a brief explanation of Syrians and there religions is necessary. Contrary to popular belief, Syria's Muslim, Christian, and Jewish (yes, there are Syrian Jews) communities get along with each other very well. The mentality among Syrians is that all truly religious people will be granted salvation in the end so there's no need to debate whose religion is the right one. On the contrary, Syrians will purposely engage tourists in conversations about religion not to show how they (the tourists) are wrong, but how they are right to believe what they do. Due to this high level of religious tolerance, marriage conversions are viewed merely as formalities. Again, I must point out that this practice primarily found among the lower classes, and is rapidly dying out.