Muslim Woman Marrying a Christian Man

Q: Is it allowed in Islam for a Muslim woman to marry a Christian man or one who has converted to Islam?

A: It is not permissible for a Muslim lady to marry a Christian man, unless he converts to Islam. It is reported by Imam Abu Dawood that Abdullah bin Abbas (radhiyallahu anhu), who had divinely been appointed as the Chief of Commentators of the Quran, said: "As regards the verse: 'And do not marry polytheistic women (mushrikaat)', marriage to women of the Ahle-Kitaab have been excluded therefrom, for such women are halaal for Muslim men. However, Muslim females have been prohibited from marrying their (Ahl-e-Kitab) men. The same fatwa has been narrated from Imam Hazan and Imam Mujahid, and it is the view of Hanafi and Shaafi'ee Scholars. (Tafseerul Aaloosi v.2 p.216)

Prepared by Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by
Mufti Siraj Desai