Fatwa ID: 05303

Answered by: Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh

Question

Can a Muslim man marry a Hindu woman without committing shirk?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

It is not allowed to marry a Hindu woman. Marriage with non-Muslim Hindu women such permissible. Allāh says:

“Do not marry the polytheist women, unless they believe; a Muslim slave-girl is better than a polytheist woman, even though she may attract you; and do not give (your women) in marriage to polytheist men, unless they believe; a Muslim slave is better than a polytheist, even though he may attract you. They invite to the Fire when Allah invites, by His will, to Paradise, and to forgiveness. He makes His verses clear to the people, so that they may heed the advice.” (Al-Baqarah:221)

It is not allowed to marry women from the Hindu, Buddhist, or Magian community, etc. The Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said with regards to the Majus:

“Treat them as you would the People of the Book, but do not marry their women nor consume their slaughtered animals.” (Reported by Al-Midani in al-Lunab and similar narration is found in the Muwatta of Imām Malik No.278)

Therefore, the answer to your question is that it is not permissible for you to marry a Hindu woman.

Reference:

Al-LubabFi  Sharh al-Kitab, Vol. 2, p.8, Dar Al-Marifah

Only Allah knows best

Written by Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham