Can I Marry a Man After He Converts or Must He Practice?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
I am in love with someone who isn’t Muslim. We want to get married, and I would only marry him if he became Muslim. Is his taking the Shahada enough, or must he also commit to practicing the religion?
I have done research but I am getting very confused as different scholars have different views. One popular scholar has emphasized that you can marry a non-Muslim as soon as they take the shahada. Another scholar says that they must also be practicing. In the Quran, I know it says ‘do not marry the idolator man until he believes’.
So does he truly have to believe in God, or is it fine for him to take the shahada and be Muslim only by name? What if I know that he doesn’t really believe?
Answer
Thank you for your question. May Allah guide you to make the best decision for your religion, your children, and your afterlife, Ameen.
Validity
In order for your nikah (marriage contract) to be valid, he must have converted to Islam. Don’t ask him if he doesn’t really believe, the answer will not benefit you or him. His faith, by the grace of Allah, will grow with time.
Please see the ruling here:
Why Is a Muslim Woman Not Allowed to Marry a Non-Muslim Man?
Can a Muslim Woman Marry a Non-Muslim Man?
Can I Accept to Marry Someone Who Is on the Verge of Becoming Muslim?
Take your time
There is no reason to rush into this marriage. I recommend to all converts that they are Muslim for a year before they marry. It takes a big toll on one to switch one’s identity, learn what is haram and halal and adjust one’s beliefs.
Let him have a year of no-stress learning and adapting before he takes on a wife. Learning to practice Islam is a lot of work, and it will help your marriage a lot if he knew the basics first. Also, don’t skip your istikhara, it is important. Seek guidance on whether he is the right man for you, and marry for piety above anything else.
Please see more details here:
Can I Marry a Man Who Converted to Islam for Me?
Marriage to a Non-Practicing Convert and Betraying My Father’s Trust
Should I Marry a Man Ready to Convert to Islam For Me?
Should I Marry a Man Who Is Ready To Convert but Still Eats Haram Food?
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
