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Fatwa CenterHe married a non-practicing Jewish wife and is worried about having children
Question
I'm a non-practicing Muslim man, but I believe in Allaah strongly and try my best to do the right thing by people (Muslims and non-Muslims). I have been married to a non-practicing Jewish girl for 6 years. She's honest, respectable and has very high standards of good morals and principles. For the last couple of years there's been talk between us about children and as a woman (who's biological clock is ticking) she's more and more anxious about the question of children, and I've been so far avoiding the matter and making excuses not to try for kids, the reason for this is I'm not sure about the following:
Is my marriage to her Halaal? Can I have children with her without her converting (to my religion)? What's your general advice about my situation, keeping in mind that I'm in love with this woman?
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.
It is permissible in Islam to marry a woman from the People of the Book. Allaah says regarding women that we are allowed to marry (which means): {…and chaste women from those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christian)}[5:5]. Therefore, your marriage to this woman is correct if it met its conditions, like the presence (and consent) of the guardian, and the presence of two witnesses.
As regards having children with her, if you are sure that this woman will not affect your children's belief when bringing them up, and you are able to give them a special care so that they will be nurtured upon the creed of Islam, then there is no harm in having children with her. But if you fear that she will affect their belief, then it is more appropriate to divorce her so that you will not be a reason in preventing her from having children.
Finally, we draw your attention to the fact that Islam is belief and action. So if you have a strong knowledge of Allaah, the Most-High, that should lead you to perform righteous actions and be steadfast in following His religion. Since you are a Muslim who believes in Allaah as you stated, this belief should lead to its fruits, by following the right path in words and in action in order to achieve the glad tidings of the Most-Merciful. Allaah says (which means): {Verily, those who say: "Our Lord is Allaah (Alone)," and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): "Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of
We also advise you to keep company with righteous people who can help you in performing actions of obedience to Allaah.
Allaah knows best.
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