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:
- Chastity: "Al-muhsanat" — chaste, virtuous women — not permissible to marry a prostitute from the People of the Book.
- Genuine People of the Book: Those adhering to a heavenly scripture — includes Jews and Christians; excludes Zoroastrians and polytheists.
- 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.
Question: What is the ruling on a Muslim man marrying a Christian or Jewish woman? What are the conditions? Can a Muslim woman marry a non-Muslim?
Answer: Permitted, with the conditions of chastity and genuine People of the Book status. A Muslim woman may never marry a non-Muslim — "They are not lawful for them nor are they lawful for them."