Keep family ties with members that their son gets married to a non-muslim ?

Question:

Is it okay to continue a relationship and normal dealings as usual with close family members after their son gets married to a nonbeliever girl ? The girl has not accepted Islam yet and has not recited the Kalima.

Answer: ﺑﺴﻢ اﷲ اﻟﺮﺣﻤﻦ اﻟﺮﺣﯿﻢ In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Silatul Rahim (maintaining family ties) is necessary in our religion. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “The Rahim (family ties) is clinging on to the throne (of Allah) saying,’ Whoever joins me, Allah will join him (by protecting him and giving him special attention), and whoever cuts me, Allah will cut him (off from His mercy and special care).’” (Muslim: Hadith 2555) On the basis thereof, it is advised that you adopt a diplomatic approach and continue to be kind and merciful towards your family member who married a non-Muslim girl. Furthermore, distancing yourself from him may make matters worse, e.g. development of hatred between families and a misrepresentation of Islam. Marrying a Jewess or Christian female is permissible in Islam (Surah Al-Maaidah: verse 5) even though it is disliked and discouraged on account of the adverse effects it would have upon the children and husband, however, it is not a valid basis for cutting ties. In addition, the husband and female family members are advised to continue giving da’wah to the non-Muslim wife by means of good character and wise, kind speech. By doing this, the rewards of maintaining family ties will be attained, and it is hoped that the non-Muslim wife will also accept Islam. Nevertheless, maintaining family ties does not mean attending gatherings of sin, e.g. intermingling and music. In such a situation, you should kindly excuse yourself, avoid such gatherings, and visit them at a more appropriate time.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham