Can I Marry a Muslim Woman If I Am Unsure Whether God Exists?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
I lost faith in Islam after trying to believe, then I converted for my mom and family, and even for marriage prospects. I am not seeking a partner yet, but I wonder if I can marry a Muslim woman when, deep down, I just don’t feel it’s true. I am conflicted about the truth of Islam. I am open to the possibility that it’s true and I consider it seriously, but I can’t say confidently that there is a God.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Al-salamu alaykum, dear brother,
Thank you for writing so honestly; a sincere question is a step toward the truth.
A Muslim woman may marry only a Muslim man, and being Muslim is the heart’s assent to Allah, not the tongue’s words alone. So while you can’t yet affirm that God exists, don’t marry a Muslim woman.
This is no verdict on you; only Allah knows your heart. Give your search its time, and never let a woman marry you believing you hold a faith you don’t.
The Quranic Basis of This
Allah Most High says of believing women and the unbelieving husbands they were married to: “They are not lawful to be their wives, nor are those ever lawful to be their husbands.” [Quran 60:10; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
Your sense that you may be wronging people is your conscience speaking. Do listen to it. You need not settle everything with your family today, but don’t carry a pretense into a marriage.
What to Do This Week
I would give you some advice, though:
One. Speak to Allah in your own words, doubt and all: “O Allah, if You are there, guide me to You.” Say it each night.
Two. Write down the questions that unsettle you, or which you need answers for. Take these to a qualified teacher. Feel free to reach out to us, and ask as much as you need to. All honest questions are welcome.
Three. Keep doing good: be truthful, and be gentle with your mother, and commit to cultivating this conscience for truth, what is right, and for the good that you evidently have.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) related that Allah says of the servant who turns to Him: “If he comes to Me walking, I come to him running.” [Bukhari]
Allah Most High says: “And whoever strives their utmost for Our sake: Verily shall We unfailingly guide them the momentous paths to Us, and truly Allah is with those who strive for good.” [Quran 29:69; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
Keep seeking; the One you are looking for is nearer than your doubt.
And Allah knows best.
At your service,
Faraz Rabbani
Related Answers
One. How Do I Address My Doubts about Allah and the Holy Quran? — Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat: Counsel for one who feels he has lost faith: turn to Allah and seek knowledge.
Two. Can a Muslim Woman Marry Someone Who Identifies as Muslim but Denies Belief in God? — Mawlana Ilyas Patel: It isn’t permissible for a Muslim woman to marry one who does not believe in Allah.
Three. Is My Marriage Valid If My Husband Doubted the Truth of Islam? — Shaykh Abdurragmaan Khan: How doubt differs from passing whispers, and what each means for a marriage.
«النصوص» · Source-Texts
[البخاري، صحيح البخاري]
«وَإِنْ أَتَانِي يَمْشِي أَتَيْتُهُ هَرْوَلَةً»
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan. In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era. Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs. Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School.” This book, published by White Thread Press in 2004, is a significant contribution to Islamic literature. His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse. Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
