Things to bear in mind

Submitted by Elsie Mahoney (United Kingdom), Aug 24, 2016 at 19:55

Firstly the Egyptian man has to marry to produce children for the family. The children bear the father's name, even when the female marries she still has her father's name. The children therefore do not belong to the female but to the father and his family. Muslim law allow the man four wife' at a time and as many concubines as he can manage providing he can afford four wives. Woman view this as normal. The Egyptian man can be very controlling of his wife, she may have little or no freedom. On the other hand Egyptian woman are socialised to believe that the man is in charge regardless. In essence the man loves his mother the most and his wife will always come second.

The Egyptian life style limits the westerners choices. Regardless of your many conversations the life style of Egyptians are based on their traditions and values. A woman's opinion is not worth as much as the man's and she will always be expected to follow her husband. He can be fiercely jealous.

I do hope you make the right decision. Only you can be sure that your decision is the right one. If you do decide to marry make sure your finances remain yours by seeking legal advice from an English speaking lawyer you can get referrals from your embassy. Egyptian law allows the wife to keep her own wealth.

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