Interfaith marriage can be defined as a marital union in which the partners believe and belong to different faith or religious traditions. It can be marriage between a Muslim man and non-Muslim woman or between a Muslim woman and non-Muslim man. Marriage between a Muslim man and non-Muslim woman can either be valid or invalid depending on who is the non- Muslim woman. Pertaining to the marriage with a woman from the people of the Book, Ulamas have different opinion with regard to its validity. When it comes to marriage with a woman who belongs to other category of unbelievers i.e. atheists, idolaters and polytheists, the prohibition is very clear. Almighty Allah has mentioned in the Holy Qur’an: “And do not marry idolater women until they believe, and a believing maid is definitely preferable to an idolater (free) woman even though she may please you. Nor give (your women) in marriage to idolater men until they believe; and certainly a believing servant is preferable to an idolater (free man), though he may please you. Those invite to the Fire while Allah invites to paradise and forgiveness by His Will, and He makes clear His signs to people, so that they may take heed.” Marital union is not meant for one day. As much as possible, the union is meant forever, the words “Mithaqun Ghalitun” which means strong pledge is used to describe marital tie or marital union. Thus, a Muslim must choose his prospective or future wife by taking some features or qualities into consideration. The woman’s beauty, wealth, and progeny are among the criteria to be considered by a man. However, it is of paramount importance to choose a woman as a prospective wife because of her religion. Marital union between a Muslim man and a Mushrikah woman or atheist is unthinkable. Even if it is permitted, how would such marriage last forever if there is huge different in their faith and the way of life? I strongly believe that to overcome such differences, divorce would be the best way out.
It is haram for a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man, regardless of whether he is of the people of the Book or not. The reason or wisdom behind the prohibition is also evident and unambiguous. As we know, the paramount objective of Shariah is to protect religion. If Islam allows such marriage, it will definitely put at risk the Muslim woman’s faith. Not only would the Muslim woman be influenced by her non-Muslim husband’s faith and lifestyle, it is also not beyond expectation that the latter will prevent the former from performing religious obligations or duties.
Our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was reported to have said: “The most hated Halal by Allah is divorce”. In addition to that, the marriage with Mushrikah if permitted would expose the Muslim spouse as well as the children to the danger of committing shirk wherein the faith will definitely be compromised. Allah has clearly mentioned in the Holy Qur’an that: “Surely Allah will not forgive the association of partners (shirk) with Him, but He forgives (sins) less than that to whomever He wishes” These are among the reasons why such marriage is strictly prohibited in Islam. Interfaith marriage between a Muslim woman and non-Muslim man is haram in its totality regardless of whether the man is from the people of the Scripture or other types of unbelievers. The prohibition is very clear. Allah has stated in the Holy Quran: “Nor give (your women) in marriage to idolater men until they believe; and certainly a believing servant is preferable to an idolater (free man), though he may please you. Those invite to the Fire while Allah invites to paradise and forgiveness by His Will, and He makes clear His Signs to people, so that they may take heed.” It is haram for a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man, regardless of whether he is of the people of the Book or not. The reason or wisdom behind the prohibition is also evident and unambiguous. As we know, the paramount objective of Shariah is to protect religion. If Islam allows such marriage, it will definitely put at risk the Muslim woman’s faith. Not only would the Muslim woman be influenced by her non-Muslim husband’s faith and lifestyle, it is also not beyond expectation that the latter will prevent the former from performing religious obligations or duties.
