Can I Marry a Man Who Converted to Islam for Me?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question:
I have a co-worker who is formerly Catholic and grew interested in me. He knows I can’t marry a non-Muslim, so he converted after he researched Islam. He tells me that I am the reason that he converted and that he also agrees with the values of Islam. Sometimes he expresses that being a practicing Muslim is very hard. So my question is, can I marry someone like this because he has good character and respects the boundaries between us?
Answer:
Assalamu alaykum,
Thank you for your question. There is no problem with marrying this man as long as you have obtained the permission of your guardian.
Marrying a convert
I highly recommend that converts take one year of being Muslim first for growing accustomed to the rituals and practice before getting married. It can be overwhelming to learn about the religion and be married at the same time. There is no need to pile it all on at once.
Please see these links for some tips:
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/general-counsel/convert-marriage-problems/
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/family-ties/how-can-i-tell-my-parents-that-i-want-to-marry-a-potential-convert/
Choosing a spouse
In deciding whether this man is for you, you should pray istikhara and have him meet your family. This man’s conversion alone is not enough, but base your decision on his character, having aligned goals, and how you plan to raise children. Also, give him a year to feel it out and solidify his dedication to Islam.
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/articles/general-artices/the-reality-of-istikhara/
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/hanafi-fiqh/istikhara-the-prayer-of-seeking-guidance/
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “A woman is married for four things: for her wealth, for her lineage, for her beauty or for her piety. Select the pious; may you be blessed!“ [Bukhari & Muslim] Be sure that this prophetic advice is at the forefront of your mind when you are making your final decision.
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[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.
