Answered by Shaykh Gibril F Haddad
Wa Alaykum Assalam wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuhu,
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful & Compassionate
Shaykh Gibril Haddad previously answered this:
Islam forbids marriage of a Muslim woman with a non-Muslim man and considers it invalid. It used to be the same in the Christian denominations regarding betrothal of Christian persons to non-Christians; Islam, however, is a religion that does not change.
At the same time Islam is eminently suitable to new developments for all time to come within the bounds of reason, truth, and right in the eyes of God and Man.
Accordingly, Islam does allow a Jewish or Christian woman to marry a Muslim man with the provision that the children are raised Muslim, which is facilitated by two factors in the eyes of the Law: (1) The head of the household is Muslim and (2) Her Abrahamic background qualifies her to grow into the fullness and maturity of the final Divine dispensation. There is no such allowance for a non-Muslim man who would purport to marry a Muslim woman even if he promised to raise their children in the Muslim faith; the Law cannot rely on such a promise on the part of the head of the household short of his accepting Islam.
As for the disparities of cult between the faiths it is neither the view of Christians nor those of Muslims that they are few and minor. However, it is a sign of Divine inspiration when the Creator wishes success for someone, that the impediments towards his becoming Muslim seem small and insignificant. Therefore this former practicing Christian (for thirty years) invites you to consider accepting the message of Muhammad, upon him peace, which is the same message brought by Jesus, Moses, and Abraham, upon them peace, concerning God and His Attributes of oneness, mercy, knowledge, omnipotence. We do not make any differences between any of them nor reject any of them. Rather, we deem them the proof of the Divine covenant with human beings that He should be worshipped as He ought to be worshipped. They are the fulfillment of His promise that whoever follows guidance there shall be no fear for them nor shall they grieve. You will receive your reward twice. Peace upon those who follow guidance!
- Hajj Gibril
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