QUESTION:
What are the rules regarding marriage with a ‘’Kitabi’’ (Christian, Jew, and Zoroastrian) for both long and fixed-term marriages?
ANSWER:
In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful.
May Allah bless Muhammad and his Family and damn their enemies.
It is permissible for a man to marry a ‘’Kitabia’’ (i.e. a Christian, Jewish or a Zoroastrian woman), but it is not permissible for a woman to marry a ‘’Kitabi’’ man. This rule applies to both long and fixed-term (mut’a) marriages.
However, according to Sayyid Sadiq al-Shirazi, a ‘’Kitabi’’ is considered ‘’Najis’’ based on obligatory precaution. Therefore, ritual purity rulings (tahara) must be observed for acts of worship that require it, such as Salah, as moisture transfers impurity (najasa). These rules have no impact on the legitimacy of the marriage itself.
We also advise brothers to endeavour to guide their spouse to the light of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and safeguard her future. Leading her towards Islam will undoubtedly have a very positive impact on marriage life while also ensuring that your children are raised correctly according to the sacred rules of Islam.
The Office of Sheikh al-Habib