Is It Okay for My Daughter to Marry a Convert Despite Lineage Concerns?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

My daughter wants to marry a revert who was born out of wedlock. Is she allowed to marry, and are we sinful if we advise her to prefer a good lineage before marrying?

Answer

I pray you are well.

As her parents, you do have a say in this if you think her marrying him will reflect negatively on your social standing. This is something the din recognizes. [Maydani, al-Lubab fi Sharh al-Kitab]

However, I would urge you to look at the suitor himself. Who his parents are, him being born out of wedlock, etc; none of these qualities affect his din directly. You should ask how his relationship with Allah (Most High) is. Does he pray, fast, etc.? Is he working on becoming a better Muslim?

Does he have good character, such that he will treat your daughter well and fairly? There are more important considerations. Many of those born as Muslims do not come close to many converts in practicing the din.

The Prophet’s advice to a companion applies here, too: “Succeed [by marrying] someone with a strong connection [to Allah] (din).” [Bukhari]

Do what’s best for your daughter and marry her to someone who will help her be a better believer, even if he is a convert.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital, and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.