Q. Is conversion a must for marrying a non muslim

This is more of a personal matter. By Muslim law, yes both the husband and wife to-be must be Muslims.

How to "convince" the girl is more of a personal issue that your friend and his girlfriend have to sort out. Marriage is an entire new phase of life.

You may try check out the "Recent Replies" in this forum titled "Civil Marriage" or use the search function on "Civil Marriage". The issue surfaces lots of times.

Islam educates Muslims to do everything with Allah SWT (God Almighty) in 1st priority at all times. Your friend has to understand this mentality (of Submission) fully and the reasons why. Hopefully, the Rabbil 'Alamin (Lord of the Universe) showers guidance to us all.

To be brutally honest-YES, the girl has to convert.
I am stuck in the same problem.I am Christian,and although it's permissible for a Muslim man to marry a non-Muslim (jewish,christian),there is a catch!

First, if and when they do get married,she is not entitled to the mahar-the gift that a man must give his bride-to-be coz most cases, it's muakkar (meaning to be paid in full in the event of divorce)-and ONLY IF it's the man who divorces the wife and not vice versa! Where is the protection for women in this law? I have been trying to search and understand, Islam says it protects women but to me, I see women's laws are one-sided.Double Standards apply.

Another thing-the children's upbringing.Correct me if I'm wrong but children who are born of non-Muslim wife can not inherit from the father-again, because that's the rule of Islam.

I would most certainly would want to listen to a Muslimah's point of view and if she feels that the laws of Islam is just and fair.

Salam,

I agree that this marriage thing between a muslim and a non-muslim is a bit messy~ But don't get too work up over it because eventually, everything will be dealt with...

Just to clarify something here... Islam is not only a religion but it's also a way of life... It has every steps and procedures in guiding muslim in all situations...

That's why it's more problematic for a non-muslim to understand this concept as most non-muslim with religion, but their religion does not guide them in their daily life... (forgive me if I say this wrongly)

Try to read into Islam and you will know why Islam is the only religion that take cares of BELIEVING women, more than of the BELIEVING men... Because we are the precious "Pearls" as what majority of the muslimahs are known as! That's me, of course! hee~ =D

I won't dwell too much into details but just my piece of advice that marriage is a lifelong journey... Both spouses might not be religious now but you never know what will happen years down the road..

You know what I mean?

My suggestion is to understand Islam as a religion first because by doing so, it will then clear a lot of doubts~

Again, I'm speaking from experiences since I'm a revert! =)

Hope it's helpful!