Muslim Jurisprudentia of Interfaith Marriages: A Critical Response to the Contemporary Challenge

Abstract

Marriage in every society is encouraged in accordance with its own religious and social principles. The marriage and family are interdependent terms, and a foundation stone in any society which needs special attention. The matter of inter-faith marriage has been considered as settled for almost millennia and Muslim men and women have since abided by the interpretation of the sacred text offered by the classical jurists. However, the onset of globalization and mass immigration of Muslims to Non-Muslim lands, and development of Human rights and so called international family law under it has upset the balance. More and more Muslims are facing these dilemmas as wives, mothers, fathers and sons, therefore it is time for the Ulema to look into the matter afresh through the principles of Ijtihad and Public good. As was done by the second Caliph Umer Bin Abdl Khittab who even prohibited the marrying of Muslim men to Kittabya on the basis of Public good. This paper aims to inquire Muslim Jurisprudentia regarding interfaith marriages and a woman’s right to select a spouse from Muslim Woman’s perspective in contemporary world.