Question:

What is the rule for a Muslim man who wants to marry a Hindu or atheist?

Answer:

The Holy Qur’an says:
“And do not marry *Al-Mushrikat *(idolatresses, etc.) till they believe (worship Allah Alone). And indeed a slave woman who believes is better than a (free) *Mushrikah *(idolatress, etc.), even though she pleases you. And give not (your daughters) in marriage to *Al-Mushrikun *till they believe (in Allah Alone) and verily, a believing slave is better than a (free) *Mushrik *(idolater, etc.), even though he pleases you. Those (*Al-Mushrikun*) invite you to the Fire, but Allah invites (you) to Paradise and Forgiveness by His Leave, and makes His *Ayat * clear to mankind that they may remember.

It is absolutely forbidden to marry a woman who is a polythiest (this includes a Hindu woman). Even though you may get along with this man/woman now, there are many problems with marrying a non-Muslim, especially if she is not from one of the monotheiestic religion:

– You will not be able to practice your religion, even in the simple things like eating halal and tahir food
– You will not be able to bring up your children in an Islamic manner, and your children will most likely grow up confused and not know what to believe
– The disbelievers invite, whether intentionally or not, to leave our religion and this will lead us to the Hell-Fire, as the Qur’anic ayah says.
– You put yourself at risk of losing your religion in order to avoid conflict at home.

Maybe you can try inviting them to Islam? Please refer to this question: How can I convert a non-Muslim to Islam?

Answered by: Dr Ali Alsamail
Certified by: Sheikh Mansour Leghaei