Parents

Assalamu alaikum,

I just recently converted to islam (back in June), and still have not told my parents.  I know that neither one of my parents will accept it, especially my Dad, but I'm hoping I can atleast get my Mom to see the truth, insha'Allah.  Anyway, my question is, if my Mom does convert, would she have to divorce my Dad if he doesn't convert?  I'm asking because I know that a woman in Islam cannot marry a non-Muslim man. But what if they are already married?

Assalamu Alaikum,

Islam considers the husband head-of-the-family and therefore requires that a Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man because she will be under the authority of a non-Muslim husband. He may prevent her from carrying out her religious obligations by either pressuring her or physically abusing her. But it is not the sole reason for imposing the restriction. The situation is considered very damaging for the woman to practise Islam afterwards and even worse for the kids in such marriages. There are NO conditions mentioned under which a Muslim woman IS allowed to get married or remain married to a non-Muslim husband after she has accepted Islam. Therefore, even if she has freedom to practice Islam after marriage, she is NOT allowed to enter into an inter-faith marriage.

"And give not (your daughters) in marriage to Al-Mushrikun** till they believe in Allah alone and verily a believing slave is better than a (free) Mushrik, even though he pleases you"....[2:221]

Al-Mushrikun=Pagans, idolaters, polytheist and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah and in His messenger Prophet Muhammad SAW) -