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Teacher at University Wants to Marry Muslim Girl Student at Same University

Question

I'm a young Muslim teacher at the University, who wants to marry a Muslim girl who happens to be a third-year student at the above same University. She put some conditions for me to abide by otherwise she won't marry me. She said that I have to have a beard and wear my clothes "up to half of calf". I just replied that whatever I do should be based on intention otherwise whatever I do is nonsense. I look physically like a European guy, but I feel that I'm deeply and truly Muslim in my heart. I'm really interested in her, and want her to be my wife. How should I behave toward her? Should I let her down?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

A true Muslim is one whose faithful belief in Allah, commitment to His Orders and following His Decrees are reflected at his appearance, actions and daily activities.

Thus, you have to fear Allah, The Great and Almighty, and to avoid what Allah (or His Messenger) prohibits, such as shaving the beard, wearing a garment that extends to the ankle, and so on. Such behavior must be a form of obedience to Allah's Order as well as fear of His Punishment.

Allah Says (what means): {So let those beware who dissent from the Prophet's order, lest fitnah strike them or a painful punishment.} [Quran 24:63]

Then, know that imitating disbelievers, following their ways and approving their behavior constitute a serious danger to Islam and Muslims.

The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Whoever imitates others is not one of us. Do not imitate the Jews and the Christians.” [At-Tirmidhi]

So, you are required – as a Muslim – to be proud of your religion, customs, and traditions. You are to be distinguished in your uniform as a Muslim.

Therefore, our sister is right since she stipulates that her future husband should behave according to Islam even in his clothes. Her request is a form of good advice, which is the core of Islam. In addition, there is no harm for a Muslim to accept his brother's advice to follow the truth, fearing Allah.

Allah Says (what means): {And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers.} [Quran 51:55]

Allah knows best.

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