Advanced Marriage Surah: Al-Ma'idah (5)

Verse: "And chaste women from those who were given the Scripture before you." (5:5)

General ruling: A Muslim man may marry a chaste Jewish or Christian woman — established by clear Quranic text.

Conditions and restrictions:

1. Chastity: "Al-muhsanat" — chaste, virtuous women — not permissible to marry a prostitute from the People of the Book.
2. Genuine People of the Book: Those adhering to a heavenly scripture — includes Jews and Christians; excludes Zoroastrians and polytheists.
3. A Muslim woman may not marry a non-Muslim: "They are not lawful for them, nor are they lawful for them." (60:10) — an absolute, uncontested rule.

Contemporary scholarly positions:

• Many contemporary scholars (including Al-Qaradawi and Al-Sha'rawi) consider it strongly disliked or forbidden in Western countries — due to risk of children losing their faith and family dissolution.
• Some jurisprudential bodies have issued fatwas forbidding it in Muslim-minority countries to protect the children's identity.

Principle: The original permissibility stands, but outcomes and the public interest of family and children must be weighed.

Source: Al-Qurtubi (6/63); Al-Jassas (3/63); Al-Mughni (9/545); Al-Qaradawi, Fatawa (3/182)

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