Can I Marry a Hindu Woman?
Answered by Ustadha Raidah Shah Idil
Question: I am in a relationship with a Hindu girl. I feel it is necessary to tell her about Islam, but she is not convinced. She wants to stay Hindu even after marriage. Is it right for me to marry her and continue to convince her about Islam?
Answer: Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray this finds you well. May Allah soften her heart to Islam, and grant you the strength to do what is best for both of you.
Marriage
“Do not marry unbelieving women until they believe […] And do not marry (your women) to unbelievers until they believe.” [Quran 2:221]
Your marriage contract with a Hindu woman will be invalid. It is impermissible for you to marry her.
Although it must be hard for you to hear this, love is not enough to make a marriage successful. Please complete this online course to help you understand the spirit and law behind marriage in Islam. Islamic Marriage: Guidance for Successful Marriage and Married Life
Hope in Allah
Remember the Prophetic promise that if you leave something for Allah’s sake, then He will replace it with something better.
No matter how stuck you feel right now, trust that Allah has the power to make a way out for you. You just need to do your part. Please listen to this podcast: Positive Spiritual Thinking: Choosing Mindfulness (taqwa) and Embracing Trust (tawakkul) by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Guidance
“Verily! You guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He knows best those who are the guided.” [Qur’an, 28:56]
Nobody can be convinced to become Muslim. Only those who are sincere will be guided by Allah. That being said, Allah is the Turner of hearts, and anything is possible with His help.
Solutions
Please perform the Prayer of Need and ask Allah to help guide the woman you wish to marry.
Please perform the Prayer of Guidance up til seven times about what to do. If Allah inspires her to embrace Islam, then that is a sign that marriage to her is good for you. If she remains opposed to Islam, then this is a clear sign that marriage to her is unwise.
Future children
It has been narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet Muhammad (upon him be blessings and peace) said: “Beware! Every one of you is a shepherd and every one is answerable with regard to his flock. The Caliph is a shepherd over the people and shall be questioned about his subjects (as to how he conducted their affairs). A man is a guardian over the members of his family and shall be questioned about them (as to how he looked after their physical and moral well-being). A woman is a guardian over the household of her husband and his children, and shall be questioned about them (as to how she managed the household and brought up the children). A slave is a guardian over the property of his master and shall be questioned about it (as to how he safeguarded his trust). Beware! Every one of you is a guardian and every one of you shall be questioned with regard to his trust.” [Sahih Muslim]
Mothers are often the primary caregivers of children. What religion do you want your children to be raised on?
I pray that Allah grants you the strength to do what pleases Him, and what will ultimately benefit you in both worlds.
Please refer to the following links:
Can a Muslim Man Marry a Sikh or a Hindu?
Marriage in Islam: A Reader
Rights of Children in Detail
Wassalam,
Raidah
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
