| The Qur'an lays out clear guidelines for
marriage. One of the main traits you should look for in a potential spouse
is a similarity in religious outlook. For the sake of compatibility, and
the upbringing of future children, it is most recommended for a Muslim to marry
another Muslim. However, in some circumstances it is permissible for a
Muslim to marry a non-Muslim. Muslim
Man and Non-Muslim Woman In
general, Muslim men are not permitted to marry non-Muslim women.
"Do
not marry unbelieving women until they believe. A slave woman who believes
is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you.... Unbelievers
beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the garden of
bliss and forgiveness. And He makes His signs clear to mankind, that they
may receive admonition" (Qur'an 2:221). An
exception is made for Muslim men to marry chaste or pious Jewish and Christian
women, who are referred to as "People of the Book." This comes
from the understanding that Jews and Christians share similar religious outlooks
- a belief in One God, following the commandments of Allah, a belief in revealed
scripture (Books), etc.
"This day are all things good and pure
made lawful to you.... Lawful to you in marriage are not only chaste women who
are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before
your time, when you give them their due dowers, and desire chastity not
lewdness. If any one rejects faith, fruitless is his work, and in the
Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost" (Qur'an 5:5). The
children of such a union are always to be raised in the faith of Islam.
This should be discussed thoroughly by the couple before they decide to marry. Muslim
Woman and Non-Muslim Man Under
no conditions is a Muslim woman permitted to marry anyone but a Muslim
man.
The same verse cited above (2:221) mentions, "Nor marry your
girls to unbelievers until they believe. A man slave who believes is
better than an unbeliever...."
No exception is given for women to
marry Jews and Christians, so the law stands that she may only marry a believing
(Muslim) man. As head of the household, the husband provides leadership
for the family. A Muslim woman does not follow the leadership of someone
who does not share her faith and values.
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