The book offers an approach to Christian-Muslim marriage defined by a couple’s mutual love and respect, the equitable treatment of their religions, and a shared focus on God. It draws upon the wisdom teachings of Jesus and the Qur’an and the author’s learnings as a partner in a long-term intermarriage.
The book argues that emphasizing religious differences leads to division and conflict. An interfaith couple needs to listen to their heart: show openness, love, and compassion for each other and fairness, humility, and faith. This will promote unity between them and help them grow as human beings.
The book describes scriptural teachings in Christianity and Islam, doctrinal precepts, and religious rules, practices, and traditions. It provides a helpful list of communication strategies for Christian-Muslim couples and important tips for raising interfaith children. A successful interreligious marriage is portrayed as a partnership between spouses that tries to balance their different religious identities through openness to and respect for otherness and a focus on shared spiritual values.
Helene Ijaz is an author, speaker, educator, mediator, and social justice activist. She holds a PhD in Education (Applied Linguistics) and Certificates in Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution.
She has been actively involved in antiracism and interfaith relations in the community, volunteered in the settlement of new immigrants and as a community mediator, and counseled individuals in interfaith relationships.
A Roman Catholic Christian of German origin, she has been married to a Pakistani Muslim for over fifty years. She has two daughters and lives with her husband in Dundas, Ontario, Canada.