What is the ruling of Islamic law regarding the marriage of a young Muslim man to a Christian woman who lives with him in the same house, knowing that their marriage was conducted Islamically and they are awaiting the finalization of her previous divorce to marry civilly, and that she has a desire to embrace Islam?

The marriages of disbelievers are subject to the rulings of a valid marriage, such as divorce, ẓihār (a pre-Islamic form of divorce), and dowry. Juristic divorce is initiated by the husband, and the waiting period (ʿiddah) begins from its occurrence. It is permissible to marry after the ʿiddah has expired, even before the court proceedings are finalized. For a marriage to be valid, the presence of a walī (guardian) is required. The walī for the marriage of a Kitābiyyah (woman from the أهل الكتاب, People of the Book) is her guardian from among her own people.