Can I Marry Someone Who Is Ready to Accept Islam for Marriage?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
I am a young Muslim girl who wants to marry a non-Muslim. He said he would convert for me and become Muslim, but I want to know whether the marriage would be valid if he became Muslim for me. He says he does not want to convert for me and is interested in religion.
However, how can I be sure of this as he could be saying it to make me marry him? Also, he said it would take him time to become familiar with the religion. Do I wait until he is?
Answer
Whether the young man converts for you or because he is genuinely interested in Islam, it is valid for you to marry him. If I were in your shoes, I would wait one year after his conversion to help him settle into the new lifestyle and learn the basics. You should certainly not rush into this marriage right after he converts because it is such a big decision, and you must be sure about the father of your children.
If he takes the time to convert and wait a year for you, you will know that he is severe, and there is no harm considering your young age. Of course, this will allow your parents to get to know him and see how he progresses as a new convert who wants to marry their daughter. Be sure to pray istikhara during this process and keep your distance, so you don’t form more emotional attachments while he is trying to learn.
May Allah bless your decision and give you the best of both worlds. Please see the following links for excellent answers on marriage and conversion.
What is the Best Approach to Take in Convert Marriage Issues?
I Want to Marry Someone Willing to Revert
Can I Marry a Hindu Man Once He Converts to Islam
Marrying a Convert Without Parental Approval
Marrying a Potential Convert
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
