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 ٱلۡخَٰسِرِينَ今天，准许你们吃一切佳美的食物，曾受天经者的食物，对于你们是合法的，你们的食物，对于他们也是合法的。归信的自由女，和你们之前曾受天经的自由女，对于你们都是合法的，如果你们把她们的聘仪交给她们，但你们应当是贞节的，不可是淫荡的，也不可是有情人的。谁否认正信，谁的善功，确已无效了，他在后世，是亏折的人。
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.
常见问题
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.
《古兰经》：QuranEnc；圣训译文：HadeethEnc。每条均标明出处。发现错误？请告知我们。