Marriage to a Woman Who Is Deficient in Her Religion

Question:
A questioner says: Honorable Shaykh, I hope that in marrying her I will be able to guide her to the Islamic path. In addition, she is one of my relatives. Please inform us about this, and may Allah reward you with good?

Answer:
There is a distinction here. If her deficiency is in some sins, there is nothing wrong with it. If her deficiency is that she has some doubts, there is nothing wrong with that. A believer may marry her, direct her to good, encourage her, teach her, and take her by the hand until she is upright, if Allah wills, through his efforts. In that case, he will have a share of her reward if Allah guides her through him.
However, if her deviation is in abandoning the prayers, or if she is known for zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) and lewdness, she should not be married. It is not permissible for a believer to marry her; rather, he should stay away from her. This is because a woman who commits zina is not permissible to marry until she repents, and because one who abandons the prayer is a disbeliever. Abandoning the prayer is major shirk (associating partners with Allah) according to the correct view, even if she does not deny its obligation. This is based on the saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) in the authentic hadith: , and other numerous proofs regarding the disbelief of one who abandons the prayer. Therefore, if she does not pray, she is not to be married until she repents. And if she is known for committing a major sin, she is not to be married until she repents as well. It is not permissible for a believer to marry her until he knows of her repentance and her performance of the prayer. And Allah is the One to be sought for help. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you.