Bismillahir Rahmaanir
Raheem
LETTER THREE
Question
As-Salaamu ‘alaikum,
I am in my 20s and still not
married. The Muslim boys I know are of dubious and doubtful character,
womanisers or into drugs, drink and other Haraam. Their character also leaves
little to be liked.
I am working with a man who is
very good-natured and very kind-hearted. He also respects me and is very keen
on marrying me but he is a Christian. I consider him better than hundreds of
Muslim men, so I would like to know if it is permissible to marry him? He will
not force me to give up my faith. It is just that I am worried about what the
community will say and I think this decision will hurt my parents. I also want
to form an Islamic home and bring up my children in a religious environment.
However, he is offering me what I want in a husband also. Please advise.
Reply
Bismihi
Ta’ala
Respected Sister in Islam,
Wa-alaykumus
Salaam wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu
1.) Even though the character of some Muslims is far
from being described as “admirable” or “noble”, there is acknowledgment,
recognition and belief in the Oneness of Allah Ta’ala and the Prophethood of
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam). In the Hereafter, there will be salvation for even that Muslim
who may have lived a sinful life.
As an
example: A person steals a car or is involved in fraud. The government will
punish him according to his crime. However, if he betrays his government and is
found guilty of high treason, this will incur a punishment which will be, by
far, much more severe – because of the magnitude of his crime.
The
same with the Muslim and non-Muslim: The
Muslim who is sinful will be punished according to his sins, but inevitably,
his Imaan will be a means of securing him salvation. He will enter Jannah.
The
non-Muslim, on the other hand, can seemingly have the most noble character and
deeds, but because he is committing high treason against his Creator and
Nourisher, by rejecting Him (even though Allah Ta’ala’s signs are evident
everywhere), or by associating partners to Him, then no matter how good a
character he has or how much of service he renders to others, it will not be
valid in the Court of Allah Ta’ala – because the “High Treason” – the Kufr[1] and Shirk[2], by far,
exceed all limits of disobedience, for which there can be no bail or parole
(that is, if the person dies in that condition of disbelief).
The
condition of the Believer and that of the disbeliever can also be likened to
money. We have money which is genuine and money which is counterfeit. If
someone has a R100 note which is old, crumpled and even torn, but it is
genuine, it will be valid for use.
If a
person has a brand-new, clean, crisp, R100 note but it is counterfeit, the
government will reject it.
Similarly,
the Muslim can be ‘torn and crumpled’ in his character, even in deeds, but due
to his Imaan, he is accepted by Allah Ta’ala. The Non- Muslim can have good
character and can be engaged in good deeds, but he is like that counterfeit
note, and will not be accepted by Allah Ta’ala.
2.) No one is saying that this man will not accept Islam.
We make Dua that Allah Ta’ala guide him to Islam, but presently, he has no
intention to do so. As such, marriage will not be valid to him.
3.) Allah Ta’ala advises us with that which is in our best
interests :
“And do not marry
unbelieving women (idolaters) until they believe; and a slave woman who
believes (i.e. in Tauheed) is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she
may attract you.
Nor marry (your girls) to
unbelievers until they believe: A man
slave who believes (i.e. in Tauheed) is better than an unbeliever, even though
he may attract you.
Unbelievers do (but) beckon
you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the Garden (of bliss) and
forgiveness…’
[Surah
Al-Baqarah 2 : 221]
4.) You mention his level of respect for you. …But he has
no respect for Allah Ta’ala. Which is more important? Would you prefer to live with a man who does
not recognise Allah Ta’ala, does not respect Allah Ta’ala, does not love Allah
Ta’ala?
5.) It is not a matter of worrying about society. It is
matter of worrying about what Allah Ta’ala likes and dislikes for us and
whether our actions will please Him or displease Him. You should also worry
about the consequences that will inevitably follow in respect to living
together : different religions, different cultures, living in a relationship
that will not be valid, bringing up children in confusion of beliefs,
influenced by different families, etc. You have to think long term.
6.) Yes, you should also consider your parents: You would
cause them tremendous hurt. Consider the disgrace and embarrassment they will
feel. …Then you will be deprived of their Duas and blessings. How then will you
enjoy any kind of happiness?
7.) If he is sincerely interested in accepting Islam –
that is, he believes with all his heart that this is the true religion, and not
so that he can marry you, it would be a different matter altogether, and also
rewarding for you.
8.) Make Dua for his Hidayah (guidance). Send him suitable
literature on Islam, and terminate contact with him. Do not communicate with
him. If he wishes to find out more about Islam, refer him to an Aalim.
9.) You say that you want to “form an Islamic home” – How
do you expect to do this by living with someone who does not accept and does not believe in the teachings of Islam?
10.)
Trust,
trust, trust in Allah Ta’ala. Insha-Allah, He will open doors for you to
fulfill your desire to settle, form an Islamic home and please your parents.
There is a time and place for everything and everyone.
Keep in mind that this worldly life is a test. Success is for the one who strives to please Allah Ta'ala.
11.)
May
Allah Ta’ala grant you a most suitable Muslim husband, with noble character; a
husband who will offer you happiness and contentment and steadfastness on Deen.
12.)
For a
marriage proposal : Read daily, before sleeping : 111 times
يَا جَامِعُ . Your mother can read يَا لَطِيْفُ 111 times.
Durood Shareef should be read 11 times before and after. Make Dua. You can also
read Surah Dahr every night (Juz 29, Surah 76).
Was-Salaamu alaykum
wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu
Yunus
Patel (Maulana)
[1] Kufr : Disbelief
[2] Shirk : Associating partners to Allah Ta’ala
