I was raised in U.S. and married a man my parents chose from Madras India. We are worlds apart in every way we think. I ended up with my mother-in-law living with us, who is set in her ways of her village. It has been 23 years (16 years with the mother-in-law) of compromises by me and broken promises on part of my husband. I stuck it through for my children but now that they are grown, I am looking forward to be free again. My advise is to find out everything about the family (you intend to marry into) from them and especially from other people you trust. The family will feed you lies to gain your interest. Make sure you have a lot in common and don't think that you or he will be able to compromise later. I have done my tour of duty and I'm very scared for my children. I pray that they find happiness which I was deprived off.

I dont have a marriage experience to share because im not married.. but of marriageable age Appreciate the comments left in this section - but you all need to realise that if we keep sharing the very 'bad' stories of marriage - because of our mistakes or others, its just going to drive away our generation from making the right choice to marry.. This spot is open for people who can share more 'pro's of marriage than the cons - because Marriage is the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAWW).. let's not do or say things that discourage our youth from marrying, esp marrying into our community.. iltemase dua!

I was born and educated in the West; my husband completed his higher education in the West but was born and raised in rural India. We have the same life goals, what makes us obviously different is our approach to problems. We have weathered the ups and downs of marriage, due to my patience. I cannot think of many other girls educated in the West that would tolerate the order not to allow your own parents into your home. Thank God, we have been married for over a decade now, and moved past the threat of divorce. I feel I did the right thing sticking with the marriage even though it was rough, and I have grown as a person. Like a diamond that shines more, the more it is cut.

I got married to a family that faked who they were. They visted us on many occassions in various rental cars. When my family went to meet them in their home, they borrowed furniture and dishes/cutlery from others to try and give a good impression of themsleves. They wanted a girl form a respectable/well off family just to show off to others. The marriage marriage didnt last more than 2 years. My advice- dont just rush into marriage with good intentions, make sure you scrutinze the suitors and find out who they really are. Dont take their word for it, speak to their workmates, people in their neighborhood, members of their mosque/idara

I am from India. I was very scared to get married in west because of difference in value system. I was introduced to family through a family friend. Relying on Allah I decided to proceed. Few years were difficut but then she turned out to much better than many girls back home. She is very understanding, well educated and good social worker. The key is that she was a believer and has solid Islamic background.

Don't go for looks, look beyond skin. It is not easy but good marriage requires experience of a 70 yr old man. I got trapped in beauty of an Afghani shia girl. Her parents did not accept wedding dinner in mosue where most marriages take place in community. Too many incompatibilities, our expectations were far apart. It was embarrasingly short lived.

I married a french convert to Islam. He is a nice person. We both worked in a restaurant. It has been fine so far, no major issues until now when I want to have kids and he doesn't. It is a bit too late to find out. Think far ahead, not only how good husband he will be, but also what kind of father, if ever.

I was engaged to a British Shia syed girl. I had never seen her before. It was arranged through family friends. Family looked religious. Girl herself wore scarf. After few months I saw some change in attitude. After months of inquiry girl told me that she was talking to some other boy. Engagement with me was done by her parents against her will. I went through extreme pain for almost a year. Don't be fooled by looks. My suggestion, in west don't marry unless you have talked to your spouse to be and learnt her perspective.

My wife come from a rich family in US. I belong to an average income group in UK. We have small house. British weather is also not as good as in US. She is always unhappy being there. It is very odd situation. Now we have kids and going through rough time.

I married a young Shia man. Her mother was a widow, an uneducated woman from Pakistan. She would take me for ride all day long. With my marriage she found a 24/7 Chauffeur. Even when I had severe fever she would have me take her to majalis here and there. I tried to cope up with her but it did not last too long. We got diverced. It runined my life. May Allah protect everyone from uneducated mother-in-law who can make or break.