Assalamualaikum warahmatullah wabarakutuhu
This is really out of curiosity more then anything. Are Muslims allowed to arrange marriage events in a hall or location for people of other religions who are looking to get married such as a Muslim brother arranging a marriage event for those of the Hindu faith/ Sikh faith so people of that faith can also find there partner?
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh
At the outset, as Muslims, we are sensitive to our Iman and Islamic values. We guard and protect our Iman to the best of our abilities. As humans, we are affected by our environment and associates. Therefore, we should be careful in selecting our company. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam is reported to have said
ﷺالمرء على دين خليله فلينظر أحدكم من يخالل (رواه الترمذي : ۲۳۷۸) عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله
Translation: Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “A man is upon the religion of his friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends. (Tirmidhi, 2378)
Evidently, the idea of holding such events arise when one holds close ties with people of other faiths. Shariah permits interacting with non-Muslims. It is permissible to deal with them and enter into business transactions. In addition, it is encouraged to be kind to them. However, it is not permissible to maintain a close bosom relationship with a non-Muslim that may lead one to compromise on his Iman and Islamic values. This is clearly stated in the following verses of the Holy Qur’an:
يا أيها الذين آمنوا لا تتخذوا اليهود و النصارى أولياء (المائدة: ۵١)
Translation: O you who have Imaan, do not take the Jews and Christians as friends. (Al-Maidah: 51)
لا تتخذوا الذين اتخذوا دينهم هزوا و لعبا من الذين أوتوا الكتاب و الكفار أولياء(المائدة: ۵٧)
Translation: O you who have have Iman, Do not take as friends those who make a mockery and made fun of your deen from those who have received the book before you and the kuffar. (Al-Maidah :57)
In the enquired scenario, holding such ceremonies would entail practices that are contrary to the Shariah. In such a gathering, there would be free intermingling, music playing, immodest clothing, and etc. They may even request you to purchase Alcohol for them, as it is a “social gathering.” As the organizer, you would be responsible for dealing with their requests.
Furthermore, other faiths do not have the concept of immediate marriage. Rather, they spend time together to see if they are “compatible”. By facilitating such events, one would be responsible for the illicit relationships that take place.
Moreover, holding such events in a hall is an unnecessary extravagant expense.
Thus, it would be impermissible to arrange marriage events for people of other faiths, as it would lead you to compromise your Islamic values.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mirza-Zain Ibn Ameer Baig
Student – Darul Iftaa
Montréal, Québec, Canada
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.