Marrying A Muallaf (Convert to Islam) Part 2

In practice, many Arab countries have allowed interfaith marriage to Christian or Jewish women but not to non-Muslim men. In contrast, Turkey allows marriages to non-Muslim men through secular laws, but in Malaysia a non-Muslim must convert to Islam in order to marry a Muslim.

Those forbidden for marriage, according to the Holy Quran Yusuf Ali translation in Surah 4:21-27 are discussed thus:Marrying A Muslim Convert

And marry not women whom your fathers married,― except what is past: it was shameful and odious,― an abominable custom indeed. Prohibited to you (for marriage) are:― your mothers, daughters, sisters, father’s sisters, mother’s sisters; brother’s daughters, sister’s daughters, foster-mothers (who gave you suck) foster-sisters; your wives’ mothers; your step-daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom ye have gone in,―no prohibition if ye have not gone in,― (those who have been) wives of your sons proceeding from your loins; and two sisters in wedlock at one and the same time, except for what is past; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Also (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom your right hands possess. thus hath Allah ordained (prohibitions) against you: except for these, all others are lawful, provided ye seek (them in marriage) with gifts from your property,― desiring chastity, not lust. Seeing that ye derive benefit from them give them their dowers (at least) as prescribed; but if, after a dower is prescribed, ye agree mutually (to vary it) there is no blame on you, and Allah is All-Knowing All-Wise. If any of you have not the means wherewith to wed free believing women, they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess: and Allah hath full knowledge about your Faith.

Ye are one from another: wed them with the leave of their owners, and give them their dowers, according to what is reasonable: they should be chaste not lustful nor taking paramours: when they are taken in wedlock, if they fall into shame, their punishment is half that for free women. This (permission) is for those among you who fear sin; but it is better for you that ye practice self-restraint: And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Allah doth wish to make clear to you and to guide you into the ways of those before you; and (He doth wish to) turn to you (in Mercy): and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (26) Allah doth wish to turn to you, but the wish of those who follow their lusts is that ye should turn away (from Him),― far, far away. Allah doth wish to lighten your (difficulties): for man was created weak (in flesh).

According to Sheikh Nayif Al-Hamad, the following are the requirements of a valid marriage in Islam:

1. The couple must be free from any legal prevention to their being able to marry one another, like a close relationship or fosterage.

2. The woman must have the approval of her guardian.

3. There must be an offer and acceptance.

4. The couple must be present and give their mutual approval

5. The presence of the woman’s guardian is required

6. Two male, Muslim witnesses are required

 

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