Is it permissible to marry a non-Arab Christian woman after she has expressed her desire to embrace Islam and learned some of its rituals?
The general principle is for a Muslim man to marry a Muslim woman, due to the harmony it brings. However, if that is not possible, Allah Almighty has permitted a Muslim man to marry a woman from the People of the Book (Jewish or Christian), provided she is chaste. This should preferably take place in a Muslim country so that the husband can raise his children with an Islamic upbringing and ensure their safety. Allah Almighty says: "This day [all] good foods have been made lawful for you. And the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And [lawful in marriage are] the chaste Muslim women and the chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you."
Therefore, if the girl is chaste, it is permissible to marry her. If there is a permanent defect that would cause the wife to be averse to the husband, it must be disclosed and not concealed, whether the wife is Muslim or from the People of the Book.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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