Q 3: Is it permissible for a man to marry a Christian or a Jewish woman who is still embracing Christianity or Judaism? What is the ruling if she told him that she would embrace Islam after marrying him, (Part No. 18; Page No. 315) but she refused to embrace Islam after marriage?

A: It is permissible for a Muslim man to marry a Christian or a Jewish woman if she is chaste and free. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Made lawful to you this day are At-Tayyibât [all kinds of Halâl (lawful) foods, which Allâh has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables and fruits)]. The food (slaughtered cattle, eatable animals) of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) is lawful to you and yours is lawful to them. (Lawful to you in marriage) are chaste women from the believers and chaste women from those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) before your time when you have given their due Mahr (bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage), desiring chastity (i.e. taking them in legal wedlock) not committing illegal sexual intercourse, nor taking them as girl-friends. And whosoever disbelieves in Faith [i.e. in the Oneness of Allâh and in all the other Articles of Faith i.e. His (Allâh’s) Angels, His Holy Books, His Messengers, the Day of Resurrection and Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainments)], then fruitless is his work; and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers. However, it is preferable for a Muslim man not to marry a Jewish or a Christian woman lest she should lead him and their children to embrace her religion. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.