Answer
Salam (Peace) Dear Amit,
Thank you for contacting About Islam with your question.
First, let me reassure you that Islam is a faith that calls ALL to the Truth, regardless of their cultural, religious, or economic backgrounds.
All that is necessary to become a Muslim is, first of all, to study Islam and find out what it is really all about. You can find out all you need to know through searching About Islam (and see the links below).
Secondly, after feeling convinced that Islam is the Truth about God and mankind’s relationship and duties to Him, it is a simple matter of making a testimony of faith.
This is done by testifying, preferably before two Muslims, “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger”.
It is really quite a simple matter to repeat these words, but the ramifications of what they imply are definitely a serious matter.
It is making the conscious decision to turn away from the worship of man-made ideas or objects, to the worship of the One and Only God and Creator, Allah.
It is the leaving behind of worshiping the creatures of Allah and turning to the worship of The Creator of all things.
Becoming a Muslim means that you will obey the laws of Islam and implement them in your daily life, it is not a mere formality that is performed in order to achieve a personal objective.
It is also the Muslim’s responsibility to raise their children as Muslims and to teach them their religion from childhood.
Having said that, marriage would only be considered valid in Islam between your friend and the Muslim woman if he accepts Islam first, not at the time of the wedding but as a result of study and understanding the tenets of Islam and personal conviction that there is no god but God (in Arabic, Allah) and that Muhammad is His Messenger.
Also, keep in mind that even if your friend decides to embrace Islam as a way of life, there is no requirement for her to marry him. A Muslim woman is free to choose her future husband and cannot be forced to marry anyone, even if it displeases her parents.
Marriage is based on harmony and mutual understanding. If these two elements are lacking or missing, it is very difficult to have a successful life together. Since religious backgrounds and traditions play a central role in our understanding the world around us, it is absolutely critical that marriage is based on mutual understanding and respect.
I hope this has clarified things for you. If you would like more information please feel free to contact us again.
Thank you and Salam.
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:
How Does A Muslim Get Married?