The permissibility of Muslim men ma...

Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta

The permissibility of Muslim men marrying Christian and Jewish women

Question

Are Muslim men allowed to marry women from another faith other than Islam, Christianity and Judaism?

Answer

It is permissible for a Muslim man to marry a Christian or a Jewish woman without the need for her to convert to Islam at any time. Although this is permissible, it is not encouraged because interfaith marriages are likely to run into problems. A Muslim woman may not marry anyone other than a Muslim. As for other religions, it is not permissible for a Muslim man or woman to marry their followers.

If a follower of such religions wants to marry a Muslim, he or she must become a Muslim first. I understand that this condition is what causes women who get to know Muslim men and want to marry them to convert to Islam. They may think that embracing Islam is easy since it involves only the declaration that one believes in the Oneness of God and that Muhammad is His messenger. They utter this declaration without giving thought to its meaning. This is not a conversion to Islam but mere expedience. It does not make a non-Muslim woman a Muslim nor does it make her a lawfully married wife to a Muslim man. She needs to understand Islam and its principles. If she is convinced that it is the religion of the truth, and declares her belief in it, she becomes a Muslim. In this case, she may be married to a Muslim. But if she merely utters the declaration without conviction, she is technically a Muslim and we must accept her word. But this does not make her a Muslim in God’s sight. Her husband should know her real attitude and determine his position accordingly.
And God Almighty knows best.
 

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