Recently came the news of Lebanese songstress Dolly Shaheen, whom allegedly converted to Islam whilst dealing with the rather important matter of a divorce. The implication is namely that her Lebanese husband who is a businessman of Maronite belief refuses to grant her a divorce, thus being the motivation behind her conversion.
The rumour was revealed on the MBC channel as fact, apparently Shaheen became a Muslim in the Azhar Mosque of Alexandria in Egypt. So far any signs of a possible backlash seem suppressed; perhaps word of her domestic affairs has not spread broadly enough, or perhaps she is just not a matter of great importance. However, Shaheen though being a former Catholic herself, echoes many stories of struggling women within the Maronite sect who convert to Islam during a divorce battle. And in some cases it is possible to hear about a Maronite husband converting to Islam too just to ease the entire divorce process.
It is without doubt morally wrong and deceitful to leave ones faith and join another faith for superficial gain; nevertheless in times of desperation such as being stuck in an unwanted or forced relationship, can changing faith to suit ones own needs ever be acceptable? If a religion such as Islam welcomes everybody, then could there be any leverage by an Imam to reject someone’s ‘Shahada’ based on the convertees’ integrity and their very current reputation? It is not uncommon to hear about Muslims converting to Christianity for a Western visa or passport, and parallels can be drawn between both situations. How can such practices be made illegal when for example the establishment is far too concerned with the dwindling global Christian population to care about fake converts?
What is most alarming about Shaheen’s conversion is her choice of location. Had her decision been consequence of a divorce alone, than surely she could have opted to convert in a Mosque in Lebanon or somewhere in the West such as France or Italy. However, it could be that the divorce laws in Egypt would offer her more rights and a quicker solution with its integrated Islamic laws. What is for certain is that a Muslim woman can never be married to a non-Muslim man; therefore it is quite possible that her marriage was immediately annulled in the eyes of the law.
By guest writer Samantha
comments
I just want to comment on how you stated "a religion such as Islam welcomes everybody"
and
"the establishment is far too concerned with the dwindling global Christian population to care about fake converts?"
It is interesting that you labeled Islam as accepting when it deals with such farces while stating that Christianity only does it to boost Christians' numbers!!!
how can you speak of christianity in such ugly terms i dont undertsnad... people sjhould really start respecting other faiths serioulsy!!
I don't see Samantha as speaking of Christianity in ugly terms.
I doubt the intention of the author of the article was to be disrespectful to Christianity, as opposed to being a bit carried away with her subjectivity.
My point is: every religion welcomes everybody and this is becoming widely used to boost numbers as a pose to being a genuine act . I as a Muslim don't like certain people coming to Islam for self-benefit.
There was a story about a man in Egypt who came to Islam coz the Church made divorce difficult, had his divorce in a Mosque and then returned to Christianity and was accepted back & defended by a high priest. I find the mans actions disrespectful for both faiths. But this scenario is common, as is Muslims converting 2 Xtianity for certain needs.
And I don't appreciate American Christian missionaries in Africa (continent in need of serious Education and many other things) there solely to gain numbers in return for a meal.
I didn't make a single ugly reference. Don't be oversensitive please especially with such weak comments. Pull me up on an 'ugly' remark and I'll answer willfully. I didn't refer to the religion at all infact. It's all about actions & behaviours of people associated to an institution.
And just 2 prove u wrong the story is about a woman who converted to Islam, if u want my personal opinion I would much rather she didn't.
So no...I was trying to ask if she should be welcomed as a Muslim or not throughout. It's obvious.
Such a weak article, my 13 year old sister could do way better.
thanks to the article Samantha.
to Jools, let you sister send her article to waleg to post and let us decided how great she is!