90 Day Fiancé newcomers Yve Arellano and Mohamed Abdelhamed of season 9 left fans in suspense last month after the couple toured a local mosque together in Yve's home state of New Mexico. Mohamed revealed what he was looking for in a significant other, insisting that Yve be willing to convert to Islam, as he doesn't want to marry someone who isn't willing to prioritize him. Viewers are curious to find out if independent Yve will give in to his request, if they marry in spite of their religious differences, or if they call things off.
For some 90 Day couples, cultural differences can be insurmountable obstacles, especially when they are deeply rooted in religion. However, for a few select relationships, these issues are solved when one partner is willing to embrace the other's faith. These reality stars converted — or at least considered converting — to their partner's religion, many changing the course of their relationships in the process.
Elizabeth Potthast Castravet
When Libby traveled to Andrei's homeland of Moldova for the couple's second wedding ceremony, she was surprised to learn she'd need to be baptized in Andrei's Orthodox Christian religion in order for their nuptials to take place.
Libby was not excited about converting, nor did she appreciate the short notice she was given to prepare. She said of her commitment to Andrei's faith, "I don't really know what it's going to be like, but I'm ready to do it so we can move on and finish with our wedding." Libby did unenthusiastically go through with her baptism and the couple remains happily married. They are currently expecting their second child together.
Aleksandra Iarovikova
Aleksandra and Josh may have had a rocky beginning, but they have become one of 90 Day's most heartwarming couples. Josh, who is a devoted Mormon, met Russian go-go dancer Aleksandra while on a mission trip in The Czech Republic, where she was studying at the time.
Aleksandra was an atheist who enjoyed the nightlife when she met Josh. Once they decided to begin a relationship, she converted to Mormonism and gave up partying. When she moved to the U.S. she even stayed in his grandmother's house, while he stayed with his parents, out of respect for his strict family's values. The couple is still married, Josh has since become a doctor, and they have a daughter together.
Kirlyam Cox
Despite their age difference, Kirlyam and Alan have become one of the greatest 90 Day couples of all time, and their origin story is also rooted in religion. Alan is Morman, and he met Kirlyam's family while on a mission trip in her homeland of Brazil, when she was a child.
Kirlyam and her family didn't convert as a result of Alan's mission trip. They'd already converted to Mormonism a few years prior. Years later, when Kirlyam was an adult, the two met up again in Brazil and developed feelings for each other. According to In Touch, the couple has since clarified, they were in no way romantically involved until almost a decade after their initial meeting, when Kirlyam was very much of legal age.
Avery Mills
Much like Kirlyam, Avery didn't convert in order to marry her now-husband, Omar Albakour. When she was 18 years old Avery, who was raised Christian, became interested in Islam after learning about it through a work friend. She chose to convert and met her Syrian partner, Omar, via a Muslim marriage app a few months later.
Ex-cheerleader Avery has embraced Islam, and often uses her social media accounts to bust stereotypes about the religion and to explain its many rich traditions. The couple lived together in Dubai until Omar's visa was approved and they're now living in New Jersey.
Alina Johnston
Alina and Steven Johnston often argued about religion while on air. Steven is a Mormon and claims to be strictly religious. However, during the show, it was revealed that he'd broken many of his faith's commandments, including having pre-marital sex with several previous partners.
Alina was, understandably, angry as she was planning to dedicate herself to Mormonism for Steven--who insisted she convert before marriage. The couple finally married with the understanding that Alina would convert once they returned to Russia. As of right now, it's unclear whether this has happened. Alina's mom even warned Steven about his hypocritical religious views. However, instead of listening, he tried to convert her to Mormonism as well. Steven is one of the many stars who should have listened to their parents on 90 Day.
Ariela Weinberg
Ariela is Jewish and Biniyam is Orthodox. During the show, Bini, whose family is very religious, wanted to baptize the couple's baby, Avi, into his faith. Ariela didn't love the idea of Avi being baptized into a faith that believes in hell, as hell is not a concept in her religion.
After much back and forth, Ari reluctantly agreed to allow the baby to be baptized. However, just before the ceremony, the couple learned Ari would need to be baptized as well in order for Avi to be welcomed into the faith. As a result of pressure from Bini and his family, Ari almost went through with the ritual but, in the end, the priest was able to baptize the baby without her having convert. Fans wonder if the issue of religion will come up again as the couple's wedding date nears.
Yve Arellano
Mohamed Abdelhamed is certainly not becoming one of the most likable stars of 90 Day's ninth season. He is critical of Yve's friends, clothing, and her lifestyle, and wants her to convert to Islam. Doctor Yve, who is more than 20 years older than her Egyptian fiancé, Mohamed, is not interested in converting. After visiting a local mosque she reasonably says, "Know that I will always support you wanting to have a religious life in whatever religion you choose, but I want the same [from you]."
However, Mohamed is not happy with that answer and thinks she should prioritize his needs and convert. Mohamed appears to be laying the groundwork to give Yve an ultimatum regarding her conversion. Yve, on the other hand, does not seem swayed by his insistence.
Brittany Banks
Brittany Banks and Yazan Ab0 Horira were an unlikely pair from the start. Brittany, an Instagram model and rapper, met Jordanian Yazan over video chat. His sister and Brittany's sister both lived in the same apartment in the U.S., and Brittany would sometimes be present while the brother and sister would Facetime internationally.
However, Yazan, a strict Muslim, was insistent his future-wife convert to Islam immediately, at one point giving her a three day window to complete her conversion. Brittany was apprehensive, as her lifestyle clashed with his family's conservative values, and his parents were very unwelcoming to her when she went to Jordan to visit. At the end of the day Brittany chose not to convert and the relationship ended.