Why Can't Muslim Women Marry Non-Muslim Men?

The marriage of a Muslim woman to a non-Muslim man is not considered valid in Islam.

Islamic law, or sharia, is interpreted from Islam's holy book the Qur'an and from sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. Islamic law regulates Muslims' public and private lives. According to sharia law, a Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man.

Considerations

Children are the main reason Muslim women cannot marry non-Muslim men. A Muslim woman will teach her children about Muhammad and Islam but the non-Muslim husband might reject such teachings. The Sisters Area of Islam Way argue that the Muslim woman must ignore her husband if he tries to interfere in raising their children the Islamic way, which would be insulting to Islam.

Expert Insight

Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, former president of the Islamic Society of North America, states that women are spared the suffering of being married to and controlled by a non-Muslim man; Islamic law forbidding marriage to a non-Muslim man makes the Muslim woman's life easier. In addition, Sunni Path states that because the husband is the head of the household and women are weaker emotionally, the Muslim wife may "fall prey" to her husband's faith.

Misconceptions

Although Muslim men are allowed to marry Christian and Jewish women, it is not encouraged. The Qur'an states, "Do not marry unbelieving women until they believe. A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she attracts you."

References

• Duhaime: Islamic Law Definition
• Islam Way: Why Can't a Muslim Woman Marry a Non-Muslim Man?
• Sunni Path: Marrying Non-Muslims
• Islam Online: Marrying a Non-Muslim Male