What is the protocol and possibility of asking a Moroccan girl out?

Hey, I'm new here, but am hoping for advice! I am a young British man who is currently in Morocco. Recently, my father (who does some business in Morocco) and I were invited to the home of one of my father's friends. We were welcomed and met the family, including the daughter who is about my age (I am 21 and she is 19). During the evening, we all chatted and got on very well, and I talked much with the daughter, sharing jokes and thoughts etc. I was instantly smitten - she is witty, attractive, smart, and we share common interests. If I were back home, I would ask her out for coffee, but obviously that may be difficult here. The father at least (and I think his family too) are not expressly religious but are certainly culturally Muslim and Moroccan. Clearly, I have respect for the family and for her and do not want to cause trouble. I will be meeting the family again in a few weeks. Is it possible to ask a girl out in this context and, if so, what is appropriate? Thanks in advance.

ADD: Thanks to both posters so far. Just a few more details: I am nominally Christian/agnostic (but I can't see why I'd have any problem converting to Islam if it became necessary) and the family respects my beliefs and thoughts, seemingly particularly impressed with my academic background in philosophy and theology. In response to Tony, I'm talking about Rabat in this case and, although we're moving further into the realm of hypothetical (!), I wouldn't have any problem with looking at marriage in the end. Also, to supplement slightly on her family's beliefs and the possible degree of their liberalism, her father will occasionally drink alcohol (wine and beer) and neither she nor her mother greeted us with any head or face covering attire. I'm not talking about dating with a view to sleeping together, but simply spending time together. Please don't jump to conclusions! Out of curiosity, there seem to be many Moroccan men with western women - does it ever happen the other way around?

If you are not Muslim, don't waste your time. She cannot marry you, and don't bother converting if you really don't want to be Muslim. That's insulting to everyone.

I don't think so. Though they may not be overtly religious they still may hold on to certain values and beliefs. Most Moroccans that I meet that are NOT religious are this way and you can never be too sure what beliefs they hold on to. Dating isn't allowed in Islam and in Islam a woman cannot marry a non-Muslim.

If I were to consider doing anything in your position I would wait to meet again and see how things go so you can see what their beliefs truly are. You might want to ask you father too since he is friends with hers he would have a better idea about it.

Really though, I wouldn't bother.

EDIT:Although things are changing in the cities and in the whole country it does not make dating in Islam correct nor should it be something a Muslim is promoting or taking part in.

Yes, it does happen the other way around. I know a few men married to Moroccan women but they were all Muslim first (and their range of adherence to the religion varies widely.) If you are interested in the possibility of getting married it helps out a great deal. BTW, probably only 50% of the women in Morocco wear hjab and of those that don't many are still "religious" many girls put it off until they get married too, sometimes thier husband asks them to wear it but the majority I have seen choose to wear it themselves after they get married for a variety of reasons. For example, some feel that the will have a hard time finding a husband if they are wearing one. I also know of Moroccan men who drink but in so many other ways are considered religious or have children that are much more religious than them. It can really go either way.

EDIT: I agree with what gitanafille said but I have seen Moroccans date in the western way.

I met and married a Moroccan woman who I was introduced to in similar circumstances to you.

I'm not sure in which city you are based but attitudes in most of the main city's are changing. Certainly dating in Agadir is becoming the norm. Take a walk down the sea front on any weekend evening and its plain to see. How much of this dating is either know of or approved by their parents is another matter though!

I'm not sure what faith you are but providing you're muslim I would speak to your father and ask him to express your interest to his friend. However, you need to know that your expressed intent will be construded as a desire to move towards marriage. Is this what you want? Tread carefully!

I need to add though that marrying a Moroccan woman is the best thing I ever did. It might just be my wife but her attitude to life is perfect!

EDIT; Given your additional info I would say go for it! It sounds like her family are relatively liberal and openminded.

Btw, I'm a white Englishman who converted to Islam and my wife's family have had no difficulties in accepting me.

Good luck!

I am a British man married to a Moroccan woman. I met her in Oman and that was very difficult we had to have a chaperone for 2 months whilst there but on arriving in Morocco I found it much more liberal and accepting. We live in Safi which is quite old fashioned regarding culture but still a million miles away from the middle east culture. If the family are liberal I cant see any problem as long as you follow the protocol ie ask her Father if it is ok. Do you speak Arabic or French or do the family speak English, what does your Father say about it? There are a lot of Moroccan women married to western men and vice versa and I can honestly say from my experience I have found Moroccan women to be wonderful wives and mothers. Go for it mate, dont offend the family and dont let your father down and you have nothing to lose. Be careful if out late at night though the police may stop you and ask for proof of marriage keep a few dollars spare for them. Good luck.

Depends on the family. My Moroccan fiance's sister is married to an Italian man who converted to Islam in order to marry her. I don't believe they "date" like western countries date. They get to know one another and marry quickly. I am not an expert but will be marrying into a Moroccan family who are very religious but not overly strict.

You sound very serious, and i think in this case you should just ask her out in front of everybody as your fiance, this way both families will know, because what us Moroccans hate is back stabbing.

Instead of asking her out on a "date" ask if she can "show you around" a little. Then you will be able to have a little alone time and see if she is really interested in you. Just keep it friendly and see how things go
.

British