Marrying a new convert still influenced by Hindu parents
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Question
My question concerns the proposed marriage of one of my cousins (Muslim woman) to a Muslim convert in the UK. The Muslim convert is a former Hindu and has not told any of his family about his conversion to Islam and has no intention of ever doing so. The proposed plan is for them to marry and for them both to live in his family home (he refuses to live separate from them) and for them to look after his parents. The parents are religious Hindus and in a recent meeting between the families they have stated clearly that "all children from the marriage will be Hindu", to this their son stayed silent and did not respond or state that the children will be raised as Muslim. Apart from the obvious obstacles faced in the above situation. I would be grateful if you could clarify if the marriage in the circumstances is valid e.g. can the Muslim woman live in the same home/ extension to the home with her non-Muslim in-laws?Answer
Al-Salam `Alaykum
As is clear from your question you are aware of the 'obstacles' or problems that could arise from such a situation. It is thus not advisable for this woman to live with her Muslim husband's Hindu parents in such circumstances. They have even expressed their intentions to raise the children as Hindus. The husband seems too weak to have sufficient influence over his parents to control the upbringing of the children.
It is thus strongly recommended that such a situation not be entered into. Nevertheless the marriage will be valid according to the Shari`a if carried out.
Abu Usama
Durban, South Africa
This answer was published by SunniPath and is preserved as written. Rulings can depend on circumstances; for your own situation, consult a qualified scholar.
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