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Moving from a Muslim country to a non-Muslim country to marry

Question

I humbly ask my knowledgeable brothers to help with the following problem I have. I am a revert and live in a non-Muslim country. Is it Halaal for me to marry a sister from a Muslim country and bring her to live in my non-Muslim country? I have heard that as a Muslim you are not allowed to move from a Muslim country to a non-Muslim country unless you have an Islaamicly sound reason? Is marriage an Islamic reason for a sister to migrate from a Muslim country to a non-Muslim country for the purpose of marriage?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

There are many dangers in residing in a non-Muslim country as it is one of the reasons of affliction and temptation. Therefore, if you are able to marry a Muslim woman in your country then that is more appropriate. A woman from your country is most likely to be more suitable for you and more able to live with you in that environment. There is no harm in seeking the help of charitable Muslim organizations in your country and do not think that it is difficult to find a religious woman with good moral character. If this has not been made easy for you, then we think that there is no harm in getting married with a Muslim woman who is residing in a Muslim country and bringing her over to your country if both of you are able to perform your religious rites and are safe from being afflicted and tried. If you are able to reside with her in her country or any other Muslim country, that is more appropriate.

Allaah knows best.

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