Question:
Assalamualaikum:
I am a Muslim man living in the United States. I am engaged to a Christian woman. Her parents approve of a civil marriage. Her
parents however do not approve of an Islamic marriage; they do not approve of any ceremony performed by a Muslim judge; and they do not want to be part of it.
I have asked the brothers at the local Islamic Centre whether they would be willing to perform the marriage under these conditions. One of the brothers argued that this would not be correct because of the following reasons. The bride and her father being both Christians, her father is her “Wali” and he does not approve of the marriage. To overrule the “Wali” would be possible but only if a judge or other competent person decided that his objections to the marriage are not valid. The brother has advised me to respect the wishes of the father and not go ahead with the marriage.
Please give me the Islamic standpoint about this particular situation, if possible.
Answer:
It is not appropriate to marry a Christian woman. After the marriage, she or her family can take the husband and the children away from Islam. If, may Allah save us, after some time, they get divorced and the mother takes the children, they will be called non-Muslims. If you and your future children are secure with regards to remaining on Islam, then you can marry the Christian woman. Firstly, do the civil marriage in the presence of her father then after that, do the Islamic marriage at home in the presence of two Muslim witnesses.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
15 August2005
09 Rajab 1426