Can a Muslim man marry a Christian or Jewish woman?
This is one of the most common questions from Muslim men and from women of other faiths who are considering marriage. The answer from the Quran and most scholars is nuanced. This guide sets out the general position and the practical questions couples should think about. It is general information, not a ruling, so ask a scholar you trust about your own situation.
What the Quran says
The Quran (5:5) permits Muslim men to marry chaste women from among the People of the Book, which scholars generally understand to mean Christians and Jews. This is a permission, not an encouragement, and many scholars attach conditions.
Conditions scholars mention
- She genuinely follows a revealed faith and is not simply nominally Christian or Jewish with no belief.
- She is chaste and lives in a way that is consistent with that faith.
- The nikah conditions are met, including her consent, the mahr and witnesses.
- The husband can keep his own faith and raise children as Muslims without harm to the family.
Some contemporary scholars advise caution or discourage it in practice, especially where it would be hard to raise children as Muslims. Views differ.
Who is not included
Most scholars do not permit a Muslim man to marry a woman who is an atheist, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist or follows another non-Abrahamic religion, though there are differences on certain groups. If she accepts Islam, the marriage can go ahead like any other. See marrying a non-Muslim for the wider picture.
Practical questions to talk about
- What faith will the children be raised in, and what will that look like day to day?
- How will each family feel, and how will you handle disagreement?
- Will she keep her own practice, and how will you respect it?
- How will you handle halal food, prayer, Ramadan and festivals?
Talk about these before you commit, not after. See questions to ask before nikah.
The legal side in the UK
A civil marriage is open to people of any faith, and a nikah can be held alongside it. Check the legal requirements with your register office. See how to register a Muslim marriage in the UK.
Looking for a Muslim spouse?
If you would rather marry a Muslim woman, Zawaj is a marriage app built around nikah, with written proposals, a Chaperone/Wali feature and photo privacy. It is free to join. See Zawaj for men in the UK and how to find a good Muslim wife.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Muslim man marry a Christian woman?
Most scholars say yes, based on the Quran (5:5), with conditions, though some discourage it in practice. Ask a scholar about your situation.
Can a Muslim man marry a Jewish woman?
Scholars generally apply the same ruling to Jewish women, with the same conditions.
Can a Muslim man marry a Hindu or an atheist?
Most scholars say no, unless she accepts Islam.
Does she have to convert?
Not in the mainstream view for a Christian or Jewish woman, though some couples choose it. Conversion should always be sincere and never forced.
What religion will the children be?
Scholars generally advise that children are raised as Muslims, and that this is agreed clearly, and in good faith, before the marriage.
Keep reading
More guides: marrying a non-Muslim, can a Muslim woman marry a non-Muslim man? and what is nikah?