How do I respectfully argue against my parents' marital wishes for me?

[PeacefulHumanity]

My mother told me multiple times while growing up that if I don't marry a woman within our ethnicity, that she'll disown me. As I've grown older, I found that to be an increasingly insular point of view, as I've seen many different people brought together through Islam. There is no such thing as separate races in Islam, we are all the servants of Allah (SWT). Now the Quran definitely doesn't prevent anyone from marrying outside their ethnicity (and in some cases religion, with the intent of eventual conversion). The Prophet (PBUH) himself married outside his tribe, didn't he? So it looks like neither the Quran nor the Sunnah support this narrow view that I have to remain within my own ethnicity. So knowing that, is there any way to begin a conversation with my parents about this, without them flipping their lids?

 

[Aapa]

Asalaam alaikum,

There is a great video posted here:http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=86304.

The trouble with immigrant parents is that they still live in the village and do not want to see beyond their scope. This is contrary to Islam. Islam is universal. Islam is not nationalistic.

The world is open to us. Isn't it funny we all love the Prophet, swas, but, Muslims are so scared to do what he did. He married all kinds of women. Islam is universal. Why people are stuck in the caste system is beyond me. It is all about saving face whatever that means.

Some of us see beauty beyond what others see. There should be no arguments.

Your parents are scared. Change by definition means growth. When change comes it means the carpets will be swept. Something new and strange will make them change as well. Be honest with your parents. Tell them why you are taken by a different ethnicity. Explain to them how this will help you practice your deen.

Some people are comfortable with safe environments and the usual fare..for the others of us..we love variety and Allah subhana wa taala has given us permission to marry. Does He not tell us He created us different to show us His Oneness.

Make dua.