Answer

Leah Mallery

08 October, 2018

Short Answer: Yes, it is halal for you to marry a Christian woman. However, many modern scholars add a caveat to that. Since modern Christians believe that Jesus is God, it is unlawful, they say, to marry a Christian who believes thusly. It is a central tenet to many modern forms of Christianity that Jesus is divine. If this is something that your fiancée believes, you may want to proceed with caution.

………….

Alaykum salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

Congratulations to you, brother, both for your engagement and your conversion to Islam. Alhamdulillah. May Allah guide you on the right path, ameen.

Can a Muslim Marry a Christian?

In the fifth verse of Surah Al Maidah, Allah says:

“…And [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers…” (Quran 5:5)

So, simply put: yes, it is halal for you to marry a Christian woman. However, many modern scholars add a caveat to that. Since modern Christians believe that Jesus is God, it is unlawful, they say, to marry a Christian who believes thusly. It is a central tenet to many modern forms of Christianity that Jesus is divine. If this is something that your fiancée believes, you may want to proceed with caution.

Prepare Yourself for Marriage

There is much more to consider in an interfaith marriage than whether it is halal. As a Muslim, of course, you will be expecting to raise your future children in Islam. Make sure you have this conversation with your fiancée before you say your vows!

It would be extremely unfair for you to go into marriage with the assumption of how you will raise future children without discussing it – for all you know, your fiancée could share similar assumptions about raising the children Christian.

I know it isn’t a terribly romantic conversation to have, but please lay these cards all out on the table before committing to a life with this woman. If you two find you have irreconcilable differences of opinion, it is better to break things off before you are married.

The Rights of a Christian Wife

Please also remember that your wife has the right, as a Christian, to practice her faith. I recently wrote an article, answering questions of a Christian woman looking to get married to a Muslim man: Interfaith Marriage Today and Religious Holidays

While it does not cover all issues that may arise, it is worth taking a look at to make sure you don’t find yourself guilty of obstructing her rights.

She must not be hindered in attending her church, in practicing religious holidays, in attending study groups, etc. Please remember that, as a Christian, she is not subject to the rules of Islam. Her rights must be respected.

Please also remember that it is not forbidden for you to attend family gatherings and holidays of hers, even if they do have Christian connotations. You would not, of course, want to participate in any prayers or religious services. But it would not be advisable to shut out her family (who will, by extension, be your family as well!) by refusing to be a part of family holidays.

Insha Allah you will have a fruitful and loving marriage and you will manage to get all wrinkles ironed out. If you and your fiancée talk all these things out in advance and decide that you are on the same page, then insha Allah all will be well for you.

Thank you for your question, brother.

And Allah knows best.

I hope this helps.

Salam and please keep in touch.

Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:

How to Build a Successful Interfaith Marriage?

What Are the Interfaith Marriage Rules?

Marriage Between a Muslim Man and a Christian Woman?