Muslim Women in Interfaith Partnerships in Germany

Abstract

The number of Muslim-interfaith couples in European countries has become significant due to transnational migration and a growing number of Muslims living in Muslim Minority countries. While the challenges for partners in such unions are complex, this article focuses on the lived experiences of Muslim women in interfaith intimate relationships in Germa ny. Drawing on field interviews with women in mixed-faith relationships, the following questions are central: How do Muslim women conceptualize religious identity and practices? Do they face challenges from different groups (Muslim communities, their families, friends, etc.) and if so, how do these challenges manifest? If respondents create concepts of being Muslim for themselves, how do these evolve in their narratives? How do they question, adapt or discard theological and social demands? Preliminary results illustrate that some respondents would appreciate a Muslim community that accepts their positionality as intermarried Muslim women. Looking at the narration of religious practices and concepts of Muslimness in the interviews, it becomes clear that a classification as haram, or legally forbidden, puts a simple categorical bar in front of a socially and theologically complex context. The inquiry combines interview analysis with situational mapping and is informed by Grounded Theory methodology.

Above and beyond social boundaries: Everyday life of Mixed Muslim–non-Muslim families in contemporary societies Au-delà des frontières sociales : le vécu des familles mixtes musulmanes-non-musulmanes dans les sociétés contemporaines

“…Also, gender has been examined as a relevant analytical dimension that differently impacts Muslim men and women. If Cerchiaro (2021) stressed the particular negative attitudes Muslim men encounter with the family of their female European partner, Feise-Nasr (2022) shows that Muslim women in partnerships with non-Muslims have to face both the opposition of their Muslim community and their family members. Another body of literature analyses these couples’ daily life in light of the stigmatization often reported by family members (in particular, their children).…”

“…Le critère spécifique du genre est également considéré comme une variable analytique pertinente qui influence l’expérience des hommes et des femmes musulmans. Si Cerchiaro (2021) souligne le fait que les hommes musulmans se heurtent à l’hostilité de la famille de leur partenaire européenne, Feise-Nasr (2022), en revanche, indique que les femmes musulmanes en couple avec des individus non-musulmans doivent faire face à l’opposition de leur communauté ainsi qu’à celle des membres de leur propre famille. Compte tenu de la stigmatisation souvent dénoncée par les membres de la famille (en particulier leurs enfants), une littérature plus abondante vise à analyser la vie quotidienne de ces couples.…”