Marriages between individuals of different religions have always been among the topics of discussion. Particularly, the union of a Muslim and a Christian raises a number of questions from both religious and legal perspectives. The issue of how such marriages are evaluated in Islam and Christianity, how they are regulated by law, how they are perceived in society, and whether these unions are considered official also attracts attention.
Speaking to Modern.az on the topic, Ceyhun Məmmədov, a member of the Milli Majlis Committee on Public Associations and Religious Organizations, stated that according to Islam, a Muslim man can marry a Christian woman.
“That is, religion permits this matter within certain conditions. If the person being married is Christian and is considered a "People of the Book", then this marriage is religiously permissible.”
The deputy added that from a legislative perspective, there is no problem in this area in our country:
“Any person can marry someone of a different religion. In this regard, both our religion and the law permit marriage between different religions within certain frameworks. Furthermore, many examples of this can be found throughout history. We can see that there is no serious disagreement on this matter, as noted in both religious sources and historical events.
However, one of the key points here needs attention: Islam only permits Muslim men to marry Christian or Jewish women. Muslim women, however, are not permitted to marry a non-Muslim man, even if he is a "People of the Book". This is one of the fundamental principles of Islam.”
The deputy also emphasized that a Muslim woman marrying a non-Muslim man, i.e., a man who has not accepted Islam, is forbidden by our religion:
“If that man accepts Islam, the woman can marry him. The main purpose of this approach is to protect Muslim family identity and religious values.
However, there is no talk of any discrimination here. On the contrary, this is a measure intended to protect the religious and moral unity of the family. For this very reason, when approaching the issue, it is important to consider our religion's stance and to explain and understand it correctly.”
Haji Fuad Nurullayev, Deputy Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO), also confirmed in a statement to our website that a Muslim man can marry a woman of a different religious belief:
“According to Islamic Sharia, a Muslim man can marry a woman from the "People of the Book" (Christian or Jewish). However, this marriage is also permitted under certain conditions. In such marriages, it is important to ensure that family life does not contradict Islamic principles, and attention must be paid to matters such as the religious upbringing of children and inheritance.
If a non-Muslim woman later accepts Islam, this can both strengthen family unity and create certain advantages from a legal and religious perspective.”
The deputy chairman also stated that there are various opinions regarding the approach of Christian and Jewish religions to this issue:
“However, these religions also have their own specific family and marriage rules. Each religion's approach to this matter is formed within different frameworks.
In Islam, however, some points are considered particularly sensitive. For this reason, it is considered important for Muslims to adhere to religious rulings, taking these delicate points into account.”
H. Nurullayev also brought to attention that a Muslim woman cannot marry a Christian or Jewish man. This is not permitted in Islam.
“As is the case in international practice today, we also observe instances of some Muslim women marrying men of other religions. Undoubtedly, such actions exist in the world, but this is not a matter related to religion. In Islam, it is unequivocally not permitted for a Muslim woman to marry a Christian or Jewish man. The man she marries must accept Islam; only then, as a Muslim, can she marry him.”
