The Ruling on Marriage to a Woman of the Book

The questioner:
Islam permits marriage with a woman from the People of the Book, subject to certain conditions. A woman from the People of the Book believes that Jesus is the son of Allah, and this is shirk (associating partners with Allah) according to the explicit text of the Qur'an. So, is she a mushrikah (one who associates partners with Allah) or a woman from the People of the Book? In other words, is it permissible to marry her, or is it forbidden?

The Shaykh:
Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) has permitted us to marry the chaste women from among the People of the Book, and He knows their shirk (associating partners with Allah) and their kufr (disbelief). Allah stated that the Jews said , and that the Christians said . Thus, He, Glorified and Exalted is He, informed us of their disbelief and of this statement of theirs. Despite this, He permitted their marriage and clarified that the chaste women among them are lawful for us. Therefore, if one marries a chaste woman—one known for her modesty and purity—there is no harm. However, a Muslim woman is more preferable and better. If a Muslim woman is available, she is the priority. As for a woman from the People of the Book, there is a risk involved. But Allah has permitted it because of the benefits therein, such as satisfying one’s desire, preserving the man’s chastity, fulfilling his need, and finding the tranquility that may be attained through her when there is a need for it. It may be that in certain lands or places, one does not find a righteous Muslim woman. It may also be that one is in a land of disbelievers. The point is that marrying her is permissible, as Allah the Mighty and Majestic has allowed, on the condition that she is chaste, meaning she is free and modest. If, however, she is known for lewdness and fornication in her land, one must not marry her. One must be vigilant, make every effort, and inquire until he knows that she is chaste, that she comes from a sound family far from immorality. Then he may marry her when there is a need for it, and there is no harm. But choosing a good Muslim woman is more preferable, better, and safer. 'Umar ibn al-Khattab disliked the Companions marrying the chaste women from the People of the Book, fearing the bad consequences. The point is that all of this requires care. If there is a need for it, Allah has permitted it. But if one can do without it, that is more preferable, better, and safer for him and his offspring. There is no restriction on this, for men’s conditions have weakened, their resolve has weakened, and their religion has weakened, except for whom Allah wills. She may lead him to her evil religion, to her disbelief and misguidance, to his inclination toward her, his obsession with her, and the like. She may lead him to Christianity or Judaism, and she may lead his children to Christianity or Judaism as well. Therefore, the safest course for him is to avoid her when he can do without her, as much as possible.

The questioner:
It is not part of the ruling, O Shaykh, that he calls her.

The Shaykh:
He may call her to Islam, he may call her to Islam, and she may hear about it from his hands, especially if he is stronger than her or weaker.

The questioner:
I mean, the requirement is that it is obligatory for him to call her to Islam.

The Shaykh:
That is not the intention; rather, this comes incidentally.