Is it permissible to marry a non-Muslim girl who outwardly claims Islam to complete the marriage, while she is not yet Muslim in her heart?
It is not permissible for a Muslim man to marry a non-Kitābiyyah (a woman who is not from the People of the Book), based on the Almighty's saying: "{And do not marry polytheistic women until they believe}." It is not permissible to marry a Buddhist woman until she truly embraces Islam. Merely uttering the two testimonies of faith without heartfelt conviction does not validate her Islam. Relationships with foreign women should be severed, even if with the intention of marriage, except in cases of inviting them to Islam through righteous Muslim women or Islamic centers. It is better for a Muslim man to marry a Muslim woman who possesses faith and good character, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Then win the one with religion, may your hands be soiled."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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