I sense that this relationship is serious, but that you have waited to the last possible moment to tell the parents he’s a Muslim. Here’s my advice:
First, pray to God and ask Him for wisdom and His discernment and guidance on what you should do…
Second, ask him (the man you are interested in) how he would raise a family. If there are children, will the children be raised in the mosque? This is important as strict Islamic law says that in an interfaith marriage, the children are to be raised in the father’s Islamic faith. Do not worry about having to convert: that is unnecessary; however, is your Catholic faith strong? This is the man you plan to spend the rest of your life with! I think I know the type of Muslim he is, though. He practices, but not to the exclusion of having a secular lifestyle. Most likely, he believes that all devout Muslims, Christians, and Jews will go to Heaven, since we all believe in the same God (up for debate). He is probably more interested in you than strictly following Islamic law; surely he would not pursue you if he were orthodox.
Third, pray more…
Fourth, introduce him to your parents and let them get to know him, but do not let his Islamic faith come into question. Once they have talked a while, divest this information (his faith) and allow for their response. If they find out early on, do not worry, just allow for them to talk to him.
Let them talk to him a few more times before you say anything about an engagement. Be patient: “Love is patient…” Dropping this on them will be shocking enough, let alone with him being a Muslim. If they meet him only once and learn of your plans, you will be in for a (potential) nightmare as they will be caught off-guard.
After you finally tell them, they will have many questions. They will want to know where you will get married, how the kids will be raised; all the questions that you will already have the answers to. Listen to them. They will speak openly and honestly. Do not be offended if they dislike your plans. They are looking out for you and your future.
Finally, pray for peace in dealing with the outcome. Do not jump too far ahead in your marriage plans before this, as you don’t know what your parents’ response will be…do not be mad at God if this doesn’t work out.
Prayers and petitions,
Alexius
