How to Ask a Sunni Woman for Marriage

While there is a confusion in the West as to just what the rules and permissable acts are when concerning relationships with Sunni women, the rules about asking for marriage are fairly straightforward. However, there are different Sunni sects, just as there are different Christian sects, and it's best to try and understand the specific beliefs of the sect that the woman you want to marry belongs to.

Instructions

1. Become a Muslim. While it is allowed for Muslim men to marry non-Muslim women, the same does not apply in reverse. Traditionally, Sunni women may only marry a man that is Muslim.

2. Offer a dowry. While not always strictly necessary, a dowry is a sign that the man is serious in his marriage proposal, and it's a nod to tradition that he's offering something. It is permissable to discuss a dowry with the woman in order to choose something more appropriate.

3. Ask for her parents' approval. This step isn't strictly necessary from a religious standpoint, but it can smooth the marriage over, and make it more acceptable within the community if the union has the parents' blessing.

4. Propose marriage. After some relationship and courtship, persuade the Sunni woman that she should marry you. Once she says yes, then preparations for the marriage can be made.

References

• English.bayynat.org.lb: Marriage Q & A