To Deb, an Answer to Your Question
Dear Deb,
I’m pleased that you liked my posting about a Jordanian Wedding. It obviously triggered some questions that you have about marrying a Jordanian and living in Jordan.
Last December Elizabeth asked similar questions of us and I am posting a copy of what we answered her at that time:
Each of us at Jordan Journals has been asked many times what living in Jordan is like, and what being married to a Jordanian is like.
If you look through the blog you will find a variety of postings about life in Amman and the positive and negative aspects of living in the Middle East. There are, however, some things that we can tell you that are very different from life in the USA, England, or most countries in the West when one is married to a Jordanian.
Jordanian life revolves around the family, nuclear and extended. Their traditions regarding family relationships are respected and observed. For the most part these traditions make life here appealing, but they do encroach on one’s privacy and concerns at times.
Moslem laws regarding inheritance are applied to all Jordanians regardless of one’s religion. Women who are not Moslem cannot inherit from a Moslem husband. This law, in particular, is one of the most difficult for all expatriate wives to accept. Women do not have equal rights in other instances as well, so it would be in your interest before marriage to ask about your legal status in the case of divorce, alimony, child custody, child support, as well as inheritance.
On the other hand, marriage is a great leap into the unknown, but hopefully to a person with whom you want to face the uncertainty.
If you're not sure, it's probably better to wait for a while. Ideally a visit to Jordan to meet your future family and situation would answer many of your questions and initiate many more.
We hope that these comments help you with your decision.
Sincerely,
Joladies
When we posted this on the blog, others who read Jordan Journals joined in and made comments for Elizabeth. Possibly, posting this again will stimulate some discussion which you will find helpful as well.
Best of luck,
ASH
I’m pleased that you liked my posting about a Jordanian Wedding. It obviously triggered some questions that you have about marrying a Jordanian and living in Jordan.
Last December Elizabeth asked similar questions of us and I am posting a copy of what we answered her at that time:
Each of us at Jordan Journals has been asked many times what living in Jordan is like, and what being married to a Jordanian is like.
If you look through the blog you will find a variety of postings about life in Amman and the positive and negative aspects of living in the Middle East. There are, however, some things that we can tell you that are very different from life in the USA, England, or most countries in the West when one is married to a Jordanian.
Jordanian life revolves around the family, nuclear and extended. Their traditions regarding family relationships are respected and observed. For the most part these traditions make life here appealing, but they do encroach on one’s privacy and concerns at times.
Moslem laws regarding inheritance are applied to all Jordanians regardless of one’s religion. Women who are not Moslem cannot inherit from a Moslem husband. This law, in particular, is one of the most difficult for all expatriate wives to accept. Women do not have equal rights in other instances as well, so it would be in your interest before marriage to ask about your legal status in the case of divorce, alimony, child custody, child support, as well as inheritance.
On the other hand, marriage is a great leap into the unknown, but hopefully to a person with whom you want to face the uncertainty.
If you're not sure, it's probably better to wait for a while. Ideally a visit to Jordan to meet your future family and situation would answer many of your questions and initiate many more.
We hope that these comments help you with your decision.
Sincerely,
Joladies
When we posted this on the blog, others who read Jordan Journals joined in and made comments for Elizabeth. Possibly, posting this again will stimulate some discussion which you will find helpful as well.
Best of luck,
ASH
posted by joladies at Friday, October 05, 2007
4 Comments:
Thanks for re-posting the answer so commonly asked! I am getting ready for my trip to Jordan, leaving on Oct 21 and returning Nov 2....I want to bring gifts for his family. Can you recommend something that I could bring that might possibly be treasured by them? Your site is excellent reading for me...thanks so much!
Dear Debra,
So glad that you like our blog. As for gifts for Jordan - that's difficult unless you know something about the family. Maybe your boyfriend can help you out there with suggestions. DVDs, CDs, and books aren't much good if they don't know English well enough to enjoy them. We are coming into winter and warm shawls, sweaters, and slippers will always be useful. Candy, scarves, and costume jerelry are always nice items. Sorry, I haven't a longer list for you. Get your friend to help you out here.
ASH
Do we know what Elizabeth finally decided to do ?
Dear Debra,
Sorry, but I have no idea what Elizabeth did. I know that deciding to live in Jordan is a huge leap into the unknown. I wish you all the luck on whatever you choose to do.
ASH
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