Can a Muslim marry a non Muslim?

For Male:

Yes! Under Muslim law, a Muslim male can marry a non Muslim female. But the jurists of the Hanafi School and the Shia school take different part on difference motion.

According to Hanafi law, “A Muslim male may marry a Muslim or Kitabiya female, but a Muslim male cannot marry anyone except Muslim”. Here Kitabiya female means a Jewess or a Christian. Therefore, a Muslim male cannot marry an idolatress or a fire worshipper.

According to Shia law, “A Muslim male can contract a Muta (Temporary) marriage with a Kitabiya”.

In short, a Muslim male cannot marry a non Muslim female except Kitabiya.

For Female:

No, Under Muslim law, a Muslim female cannot marry a non Muslim male except with a Muslim male. A Muslim female cannot contract a valid marriage with a non Muslim even a kitabi.

According to Hanafi law, “A Muslim female cannot marry a non Muslim or even Kitabiya male, but a Muslim male cannot marry anyone except Muslim”.

A marriage with a non Muslim, whether he is kitabi (Christian or Jew), or a non kitabi who is an idolater or a fire-worshipper, is irregular but not void.

In short, a Muslim female cannot marry a non Muslim male even a Kitabi in a valid form of marriage.

Can a Sunni Muslim marry a shia Muslim?

Yes! a Sunni Muslim may marry a shia Muslim. As both of the parties on the marriage are under same religion, so the both of them are entitled to marry each other. Under Sunni Muslim law;-

Ø A Sunni Muslim male can marry a Shia Muslim female. As both them are Muslim and believes in the unity of Allah, they can marry each other.

Ø A Sunni Muslim female can marry a Shia Muslim male.

Under Shia Muslim law;-

Ø A Shia Muslim male can marry a Sunni Muslim female. As both of them are Muslim and believe in the unity of Allah, they can marry each other by nature.

Ø A Shia Muslim female can marry a Sunni Muslim male as like both of them are sunni or shia.

Written With The Help Of Refference Book:

1. Mulla’s Principles Of MAHOMEDAN LAW (19^th Edition)

Written By: M. Hidayatullah & Arshad Hidayatullah (India).

2. Text Book Of MOHAMMEDAN LAW (23^rd Edition)

Written By: Aqil Ahamad (India).

3. MUSLIM LAW (17^th Edition-2014)

Written By: Syed Khalid Rashid.

Revised By: Prof. V. P. Bharatiya (India).

4. Text Book On ISLAMIC LAW

[Including Statutory Family Laws]

Reprint: May 2009(1^st Edition)