Question:

Why can’t a Muslim man/lady marry a Christian man/lady? Where is it written in the Holy Qur’an that it is forbidden?

Answer:

1. Numbers of Ayaat and many Prophetic narrations prohibit marriage with non-believers (non-Muslims). The Almighty Allah states:

“Do not marry (al-Moshrekat) unbelieving women, until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the Garden (of bliss) and forgiveness…” (2:221).

Although the term Moshrek in the terminology of the Quran is most likely used for the idolaters, the reason given at the end of the Ayah extends the prohibition of marriage with anyone who – due to his or her wrong belief- may influence his/her partner and lead him/her to the Hell-Fire. It’s obivous that very often a non-Muslim spouse not only will influence his/her partner’s belief but also their children. Studies show that the children of inter-faith marriages usually end up becoming athiests.

2. A very important bond of relation between a couple is love and affection. It is not becoming of a true beleiver in God and the Holy Propeht of Islam (P) to love, live and share his/her bed with a disbeliever in God and His Messenger. The Almighty Allah states: “You will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, love those who oppose Allah and His Messenger.” (58:22). If loving them (without living with them) is prohibited, marrying them is by far forbidden.

Answered by: Sheikh Mansour Leghaei