Can a Sunni Girl Marry Someone with Different Family Beliefs?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Is it permissible for a Sunni girl to marry a man whose family holds different beliefs if he does not follow them and has taken his shahada?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
A general guideline is that a potential spouse should follow one of the four schools of law (madhabs) and one of the two schools of belief, either ‘Ashari or Maturidi. If both partners meet these guidelines, then marriage is generally acceptable.
If the person you want to marry does not follow these traditional schools, things become more complicated. Consider how your different views on religion may affect your relationship.
Similar religious orientations are important for a happy marriage and raising children together. If your differences are significant, they may lead to conflict and resentment, making it hard for both of you to grow in your faith. In such cases, marrying may not be wise, even if you generally get along well.
Take advice from your parents, reliable local scholars, and Imams, and pray Istikhara. See the link below.
Draw Closer to Allah and Become Akhira-Focused
The point of religion is to draw closer to Allah Most High by following His commands, the beloved sunna, and the ways of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and becoming a better person.
Focus on what benefits you; learn your faith and practice soundly; stay away from sectarianism and polemics; and maintain good opinions and good relations with all people–especially fellow Muslims, even if we may disagree with them–with principle, good character, and wisdom. These arguments with other groups will make you an argumentative person. The enemies of Islam do not differentiate and ask if one follows one and not the other.
Given the considerations in such cases, please consult reliable local scholars about the specifics of the situation. Jazakum Allah khayr.
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. In sha Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
Related
- Reader on Navigating Sectarianism
- Is It Permissible to Marry Someone Who Has a Different …
- Who are the Ahl al-Sunnah?
- Ahl al-Sunna Archives – SeekersGuidance
- How Do I Grow Closer to Allah?
- Istikhara: The Prayer of Seeking Guidance
Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance? You can choose from the Islamic Studies Curriculum or Youth Islamic Studies Curriculum and progress through each course step by step.
I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
