Ruling on a Muslim woman marrying a non-Muslim

It is not permissible for a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim under any circumstances. Allah Almighty says:

– “And do not marry the polytheists until they believe. Indeed, a believing slave is better than a polytheist, even if he pleases you.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 221)

– “They are not lawful for them, nor are they lawful for them.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 10)

However, a Muslim woman's hope that a non-Muslim will become a Muslim does not justify this act. This is an assumption and does not make the forbidden lawful.

Also, if a woman converts to Islam and her husband is a disbeliever, the marriage between them is annulled when she converts to Islam. If the woman is in her waiting period and her husband is also a Muslim, then the previous marriage has not yet been annulled and she can take it back.

If the husband becomes a Muslim after the woman's iddah, then he can only take her back by remarrying her. The ancient and modern scholars are unanimous on this matter. However, hoping that a non-Muslim man will become a Muslim does not change the ruling of the Sharia in this regard.

Sheikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani