Question.
I have recently converted to Islam and was already living with a non-Muslim, whom I wished to marry. He does not believe and while I pray he will convert, it is still possible that he will not. I still intend to stay with him, though it is forbidden and we intend to have children. I was wondering what the consequences of this action would be for any children that we may have.
Reply:
Before we give an answer to your specific question, we would like to clarify that the Qur’an, while explaining the limitations of social relations between Muslims and those ascribing to other religions, has divided these other religions into two categories. The first category is of people ascribing to Shirk(polytheism) and the second category is that of those who believe in one God, even though they do not believe in Mohammad (pbuh) as a true prophet of God.
As far as the first category of non-Muslims is concerned, Islam has prohibited both their men as well as women in marriage for Muslims (Al-Baqarah 2: 221). While with regard to the second group, the Qur’an has expressly allowed marriage with their women but has not given any express directives regarding marriage with their men (Al-Maaidah 5: 5).
In view of these directives of the Qur’an, it is our opinion that marriage between a Muslim woman and a non-Muslim man,although not explicitly forbidden by Quran, should be avoided, unless he converts to Islam.
We can fully appreciate the emotional difficulty and stress that a Muslim woman may have to go through because of this directive of the Qur’an, yet one must not forget that this life is a testing time for us. We are being tested for our obedience to God’s commands and our submission to His will. To be successful in this test, we should always be prepared and willing to pay its price. This price can sometimes be in the shape of sacrificing our emotions, suppressing our desires and sometimes even giving our lives. We must never forget that whatever we give up in God’s way shall be returned to us with unimaginable increments. The Prophet (pbuh) is ascribed to have said, “The road to the everlasting bliss of Paradise is covered with things that are difficult and disliked [by man], while the path of the everlasting punishment of Hellfire is covered by very attractive things”.
UIUK team
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