If you convert while single
- Learn the basics first; if possible, don’t rush marriage in the first months.
- Look for a partner who helps your faith. A Muslim man may marry a Muslim woman or a chaste Jewish/Christian woman; a Muslim woman may marry only a Muslim man.
- Complete the contract: wali, witnesses and mahr, then register civilly.
If you convert and your wife keeps her faith
If your wife is Jewish or Christian, your marriage continues and no new contract is needed. Her rights and dignity remain intact, and you must treat her well and never force her faith.
ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتُۖ وَطَعَامُ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ حِلّٞ لَّكُمۡ وَطَعَامُكُمۡ حِلّٞ لَّهُمۡۖ وَٱلۡمُحۡصَنَٰتُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَٰتِ وَٱلۡمُحۡصَنَٰتُ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ إِذَآ ءَاتَيۡتُمُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ مُحۡصِنِينَ غَيۡرَ مُسَٰفِحِينَ وَلَا مُتَّخِذِيٓ أَخۡدَانٖۗ وَمَن يَكۡفُرۡ بِٱلۡإِيمَٰنِ فَقَدۡ حَبِطَ عَمَلُهُۥ وَهُوَ فِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ مِنَ ٱلۡخَٰسِرِينَDe hoy en adelante les es permitido todo [alimento] bueno. La carne de los [animales sacrificados] de quienes recibieron el Libro [la Torá y el Evangelio] es lícita, y la carne [de los animales que ustedes sacrifican] es lícita para ellos. También es permitido [para ustedes] casarse con las mujeres creyentes que sean recatadas, y con las mujeres recatadas que recibieron el Libro anteriormente [judías y cristianas], siempre que cumplan la condición de darles su dote, con intención [seria] de casarse, no para fornicar ni tomarlas como amantes secretas. Pero quien rechace la creencia [monoteísta de Dios], sus obras [en este mundo] habrán sido en vano, y en la otra vida se contará entre los perdedores.
If she is not Jewish or Christian (for example an atheist), scholars differ. Most say she is invited to Islam; if she accepts within her waiting period the marriage continues, otherwise separation takes place. Some contemporary scholars, including the European Council for Fatwa and Research, allow her to stay with him as long as she wishes, hoping she will embrace Islam. Ask a scholar in your country.
This guide is for learning, not a fatwa. Where scholars differ we show the positions of the schools; for your own situation ask a trusted scholar or Islamic centre in your country.
If you are a woman who converts and your husband does not
This is more delicate: most scholars say a Muslim woman may not remain the wife of a non-Muslim after her waiting period, while some contemporary scholars permit staying for a time if she is safe and he may embrace Islam. Seek counsel from a scholar or Islamic centre before any decision, and don’t separate hastily without advice.
Legal rules (registration, inheritance, custody) differ by country, so check local law or a qualified lawyer.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do I need to renew my marriage contract after converting?
Not if your wife is a Jewish or Christian woman; documenting your situation officially may help.
Must I divorce my non-Muslim wife?
Not if she is Jewish or Christian. For other cases scholars give detailed views.
Corán: QuranEnc. Traducciones de hadices: HadeethEnc. Cada elemento indica su fuente. ¿Encontró un error? Avísenos.