Raising children in an interfaith home

If the father is Muslim, scholars consider the children Muslim and they are raised in Islam with gentleness and wisdom. A non-Muslim mother remains a mother who must be honoured, with custody governed by local law. Scholars stress respecting her faith and never using children in disputes.

Practical parenting

  • Teach faith through example and love before instruction.
  • Respect both sets of grandparents and family gatherings without compromising belief.
  • Agree early on names, circumcision, schooling and halal food.
  • Keep disputes calm in front of the children.
Quran
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ قُوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡ وَأَهۡلِيكُمۡ نَارٗا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلۡحِجَارَةُ عَلَيۡهَا مَلَٰٓئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٞ شِدَادٞ لَّا يَعۡصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمۡ وَيَفۡعَلُونَ مَا يُؤۡمَرُونَ

Surah At-Tahrim 66:6
Quran
لَّا يَنۡهَىٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يُقَٰتِلُوكُمۡ فِي ٱلدِّينِ وَلَمۡ يُخۡرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَٰرِكُمۡ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمۡ وَتُقۡسِطُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُقۡسِطِينَ

Surah Al-Mumtahanah 60:8

Legal rules (registration, inheritance, custody) differ by country, so check local law or a qualified lawyer.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Muslim child inherit from a non-Muslim mother?

Most jurists say no inheritance between a Muslim and a non-Muslim, though a bequest up to a third or a gift is possible. Check local law.

Quran text and translations: QuranEnc. Hadith translations: HadeethEnc. Sources are shown on each item. Found a mistake? Tell us.