Fatwa: # 23396
Category: Marriage
Country: United States
Date: 8th December 2012

Title

As a Christian woman can I marry a Muslim man without reverting to Islam?

Question

I am a Chrsitian woman that in interested in getting a Nikah with my Muslim Boyfriend. My parents are not 100% accepting of this marriage but I am. I was wondering do I need to have a wali from my side in order for this marriage to be valid? Also I have read several articles indicating that I do not have to convert to get a Nikah, is that also valid?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

 

Salāmu ala manittabal-huda (May peace be upon those who follow guidance).

 

Sister,

It is a pleasure to offer you guidance on Islamic issues.  We serve you for the pleasure of Almighty Allah.

 

It is permissible for a Muslim man to marry a Christian woman. Almighty Allah says :-

Lawful for you in matrimony are chaste women from among the Believers and chaste women from among those who have been given the Scripture before you.[1]

 

It is not necessary for you as an adult female to have a Wali (guardian) for your Nikah to be valid.

 

We advise you to obtain authentic Islamic literature and educate yourself on Islam. Be open minded and objective in searching for the ultimate truth.

 

Marriage to a Muslim will expose Islam more to you if the person is Allah fearing and a practicing Muslim.

 

You may also refer to our website for women (the ideal woman website) on www.idealwoman.org for guidance. This website is dedicated to women seeking Islamic guidance on a range of issues. The information there will be useful to you.

 

Feel free to contact us for any further assistance.

 

 

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

 

 

Saeed Ahmed Golaub

Jamaica

Student Darul Iftaa

 

Checked and Approved

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

daruliftaa.net 

 

 


[1] {حِلٌّ لَهُمْ وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ إِذَا آتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ مُحْصِنِينَ غَيْرَ مُسَافِحِينَ وَلَا مُتَّخِذِي أَخْدَانٍ} [المائدة: 5]

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