Can a Believer,ie a person who claims to believe in the Qur'an marry a Christian ? What does the Qur'an say about this issue ? The following are verses from The Book of Allah which inform us what is The reader is kindly requested to make the effort of checking all of the following Ayat (Verses) in his/her Qur'an and confirm them (if possible) in arabic.

What is the Status of those who believe in divinity of Christ and the Trinity ?

Christians have been identified in the Qur'an to be 'Kafireen' ie Disbelievers and 'Mushrikeen' ie Polythiests or Idolators (Those who associate with Allah).We are reminded about them;

[5.72]- 'Certainly they DISBELIEVE who say: Surely Allah, He is the Messiah, son of Marium; and the Messiah said: O Children of Israel! serve Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Surely whoever ASSOCIATES ( About those Christians who believe in the concept of trinity,we are reminded;

[5.73] 'Certainly they DISBELIEVE who say: Surely Allah is the third (person) of the three(as in a trinity); and there is no god but the one God, and if they desist not from what they say, a painful About those who believe in the sonship of God we are reminded in the most clear manner;

[18.4] 'And warn those who say: Allah has taken a son.' [18.5] 'They have no knowledge of it, nor had their fathers; a grievous word it is that comes out of their mouths; they speak nothing but a lie.'

Further reminded;

[19.35] 'It beseems not Allah that He should take to Himself a son !, glory to be Him; when He has decreed a matter He only says to it "Be," and it is.'

In the above verses,the status of Christians and the strong resentment of their faith should be clear to you.In the verses above they have been identified as unbelievers ('Kafireen') [5.72] and Polyt Now Allah further describes,what is His opinion regarding unbelievers ('Kafireen');

[8.55] 'Surely the WORST OF CREATURES in Allah's sight are the UNBELIEVERS, who will not believe.'

About the act of associating others with Allah ('Shirk') we are reminded in strongest terms;

[39.65] 'And certainly, it has been revealed to you and to those before you: Surely if you ASSOCIATE (with Allah), your work would certainly come to naught and you would certainly be of the losers.'

And finally about those persons who are associating with Allah, like Christians are associating Jesus ,it is said;

[4.48] 'Surely Allah DOES NOT FORGIVE THAT ANYTHING SHOULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH HIM, and forgives what is besides that to whomsoever He pleases; and whoever associates anything with Allah, he devises i >From above ayat we can infer that;

(1) Christians have been called as Kafireen and Mushrikeen [5.72-73] (2) In Allah's sight the worst of the creatures are Kafireen[8.55],and He does not forgive anyone who commits Shirk.[4.48] (3) It is 'Haraam' (forbidden) for people who believe in the divinity of Christ to enter 'Jannah' (Garden) [5.72] (4) People who associate others with Allah,will never be forgiven.Shirk is an unforgivable crime in Allah's sight.[4.48] And Christians because of their associating Jesus in divine status are also u Now can a believing man or woman have any ties of affection with a person about whom Allah speaks so strongly about ??

Can Believers be intimate with unbelievers ?

In case a person wants any intimate terms with a Christian then about them we are reminded [To be kept in mind that those who believe in the divine status of Jesus and the trinity are termed as unbel [3.28] Let not the believers take the unbelievers for friends rather than believers; and whoever does this, he shall have nothing of (the guardianship of) Allah, but you should guard yourselves again Again the Believers are reminded;

[4.144] O you who believe! do not take the unbelievers for friends rather than the believers; do you desire that you should give to Allah a manifest proof against yourselves?

Those who do take the unbelievers for friendship and intimacy they are exposed as;

[4.138] Announce to the HYPOCRITES that they shall have a painful chastisement: [4.139] (They are) those who take the UNBELIEVERS for guardians rather than believers. Do they seek honor from them? Then surely all honor is for Allah.

And finally Believers are instructed clearly whether any intimacy should be maintained with Christians and Jews;

[5.51] O YOU WHO BELIEVE ! DO NOT TAKE THE JEWS AND THE CHRISTIANS AS FRIENDS they are friends of each other; AND WHOEVER AMONGST YOU TAKES THEM FOR A FRIEND IS ONE OF THEM; surely Allah does not gui The above Verses clearly mention whether there should be any ties of intimacy between the believers in Quranic message and Christians.

Can a believer Marry a Christian ?

Now we come to the issue at hand,whether Marriage with Christians is allowed or not.Firstly Christians are identified at many places in the Qur'an to be commiting 'Shirk', (Association with Allah) an [2.221] 'And DO NOT MARRY 'mushrik' (Polythiest) women UNTIL they believe, and certainly a believing maid is better than a 'mushrik' (Polythiest) woman, even though she should please you; and DO NOTThe above verse clearly prohibits the marriage of any Momin (Believing man) or Muminah (Believing women) with any Mushrik or Mushrika.Believers cannot marry them UNTIL they also believe in the Qur'an [60.10] 'O you who believe! when believing women come to you migrating, then examine them; Allah knows best their faith; then if you find them to be believing women, DO NOT send them back to the unbThe above Ayah clearly indicates that disbelievers in the message of Allah (Qur'an) are not 'Halaal' (permissible) for believing women,and vice versa.

What about Marriage with People of the Book ?

Many people justify marrying a Christian by saying that the Qur'an allows marriage with people of the Book.How ever as we have seen that marriage with those who associate with Allah (Mushrikeen) is p[5.5] This day (all) the good things are allowed to you; and the food of those who have been given the Book is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them; and the chaste (women) from among the bWhen the Qur'an allows marriage with the people of the Book or those who were given the Book before us,it also identifies in detail who these people are.The Qur'an points out that among the People of [3.110] You are the best of the nations raised up for Mankind; you enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in Allah; and if the PEOPLE OF THE BOOK had believed it would have been better In the above verse two groups are identified in People of the Book. The first one being those who are Believers ie those who believe and agree to the Qur'anic way of life ('Minhum ul Mu'minoon').The In Surah 5 Verse 5,when the permission is granted to marry those who were given the Book before us,then it is pointing towards that category of people who are believers in the Qur'anic message (Mu'mi [3.113] They are not all alike; among the PEOPLE OF THE BOOK there is an upright party; THEY RECITE THE AYAT (VERSES) OF ALLAH in the nighttime and they adore (Him). [3.114] They BELIEVE in Allah and the last day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and they strive with one another in hastening to good deeds, and those are among the good.

It is evident from the above that among the People of the Book there are also those who have accepted the Qur'an and believe in Allah and the last day (The description of Allah,last day etc is to be [5.5]'........ and the CHASTE (WOMEN) from among those WHO HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE BOOK BEFORE YOU (are lawful for you);.'

It doesnt mean in the above verse that these women are those Christians who believe in the divinity of Jesus,as such are identified in the Qur'an as 'Mushrikeen' [5.72] and marriage with 'Mushrikeen'To those who insist upon having ties with disbelievers in Allah's message,we are informed what their status will be in that case;

[24.26] WOMEN IMPURE ARE FOR MEN IMPURE and men impure for women impure and women of purity are for men of purity and men of purity are for women of purity: these are not affected by what people sa People who have purified their lives with the wisdom of the Qur'an have to seek partners of similiar attitude.

Conditions to be fulfilled before Marriage

The Qur'an lays down the following conditions for people who claim to believe in the Book of Allah,they have to meet these requirements before getting married;

(a)First of all marriage has to be between believers, [2:221] so the first step is that we bring in ourselves those qualities that are described in Qur'an about believers and match ourselves with tha Before a Mu'min proposes to a girl,he should fulfill the following conditions: (b)Should be an adult ie passed puberty.[4:6] (c)Be a mature & responsible person,making sound decisions in life.( should posses 'rushd'(Maturity) [4:6] (d)Have sufficient resources under his control so as to support a family.[4:24 , 24:33]

Free Consent

(e)The man is allowed to select the wife of his choice.[4:3] Thus excersizing his free will. (f) Similiarly women cannot be forced into getting married and they also have to excersize their free will.[4:19] (g) In [4:21] it is stated that women have taken a 'meesaq' (contract) from men.A contract requires the free consent of both parties.A contract in which a person is forced to do something against his (h) If a man proposes to a woman directly,there is no harm in it,however secret marriages,eloping etc are not allowed.[2:235] (i) Love affairs of any sort are also not allowed.[5:5 , 4:25 , 2:165] Believers cannot give their love for anyone more than the cause of Allah.[9:24 , 58:22] (j) Believing women cannot remain married to their husbands if they are unbelievers,same goes for Believing men.[60:10] (k) Believers cannot marry mushrik men or women. [2:221] (l)Marriage with a man or woman who commits 'zina' (adultery) is forbidden to believers.[24:3]

The above verses are very clear regarding the issue of Marriage with Christians and other Mushrikeen. It is strongly recommended that you make it a habit of regularly reading the Qur'an with understanding and make note of important verses in a note book or diary.Remember ,what ever is in the Qur'an [17.82] 'And We reveal of the Quran that which is a HEALING and a mercy to the believers, and it adds only to the perdition of the unjust.'

[10.57] 'O Mankind! there has come to you indeed an admonition from your Lord and a HEALING for what is in the breasts and a guidance and a mercy for the believers.'

It is requested that any questions related to the verses presented in this message be sent to the address: [email protected]

Salaam

Kashif Ahmed Shahzada Monday 14th July,1997

Status of Parents in Al Qur'an

With the Name of Allah,Most Gracious,Most Merciful

What sort of a relationship should we maintain with our parents? In what matters are we not allowed to obey them ? Generally what opinion has Mankind held concerning their parents and ancestors when Code of conduct with Parents

As believers,we are instructed about the sort of behaviour that we are to maintain with our parents,specially when they have reached old age:

"And your Sustainer has decreed that you will serve none but Him,and that you be good towards PARENTS.Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life,say not to them (even) `fie' nor rebuke t "And out of kindness lower to them the wing of humility and say:`O My Sustainer,Bestow on them your mercy even as they cherished me in childhood." (17:24)

In the above verse we are restrained from even saying `fie' (oof) to our parents as people who are harsh on their parents and rebuke them are described as `those in loss' (khasireen):

"And (there is one) who says to his PARENTS `Fie' on you ! Do you hold out the promise to me that I shall be raised up,even though generations have passed before me ?' And they two seek Allah's aid ( "Such are they against whom is proved the sentence among the previous generations of Jinns(Hidden persons) and Mankind,that have passed away; for they are those in loss." (46:18)

As believers we are also commanded to spend on our parents from our resources as they cherished us in childhood:

"They ask you what they should spend.Say:`Whatever you spend that is good ,is for PARENTS and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers.And whatever you do that is good,-Allah has its k

Its is obligatory for us to provide for our p arents when they are in need and not to desert them in an old home.Furthermore we cannot impose any hardships on them. Jesus the son of Mary (PBUH) is an (Jesus said) "And He has made me kind to my mother and not overbearing or miserable." (19:32)

When are we not to obey our Parents ?

While maintaining good behaviour with their parents,the Believers are instructed not to obey their parents in certain situations:

"And We have enjoined on Man concerning his PARENTS: In travail upon travail did his mother bear him and his weaning is in two years:Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: To Me is your goal." (31 "But if they strive with you to associate with Me that which you have no knowledge,THEN OBEY THEM NOT;Yet bear them company in this life in a recognised manner.And follow the way of those who turn to We are not to obey our parents if they suggest `Shirk' ie association with Allah,yet bear them company in a just manner.

Reaction of Mankind towards the Message of Allah

Generally people maintain those beliefs in their lives which they have inherited from their parents and ancestors.They don't analyse those beliefs by reason nor intelligently or critically evaluate t"And when it is said to them:`Follow what Allah has revealed !' They say: `Nay ! We will follow what we found our FATHERS following.' What ! Even though their fathers were void of wisdom and guidance The faith of ancestors has always been a barrier in accepting the truth of Allah and the Messengers were given the the same argument.

Response to Noah (PBUH)

"....Never did we hear such a thing among our FATHERS of old." (23:24)

Response to Hood (PBUH)

"...Have you come to us that we may serve Allah alone and leave that which our FATHERS served...?" (7:70)

Response to Salih (PBUH)

".....Do you forbid us that which our FATHERS served ? ...." (11:62)

Response to Shoaib (PBUH)

" O Shoaib,does your Salat order that we leave of that which our FATHERS served....." (11:87)

Answer to Abraham's (PBUH) question

"They said:`Nay we but found our FATHERS doing thus what we do!" (26:74)

Joseph's (PBUH) reminder

"If not Him you serve nothing but names which you have named,you and your FATHERS...." (12:40)

Response to Moses (PBUH) and A aron (PBUH)

"...Never did we hear the like among our FATHERS of old ! " (28:36)

Reaction to Mohammed (PBUH)

"...This is just a Man whose intention is to oppose you from that which your FATHERS served..." (34:43)

The Qur'an strongly opposes the blind following of faith of parents and ancestors.It invites people to use their reasoning ability and intelligence in acertaining the truth.(See 38:29,47:24,43:3,21:1The Qur'an not only provides evidence for its claims (see 4:174,6:104) but also asks its opponents to provide sufficient proofs (see 21:24, 27:64, 2:111, 37:157) Blind following of ancestors involves a person to accept their beliefs without question or sufficent proof.The blind submission to ancestoral beliefs is encouraged by Satan as his chief objective is "When they are told to follow what Allah has revealed,they say:`Nay we shall follow the ways that we found our FATHERS following !' What ! Even if it is Satan beckoning them to the penalty of the bla Instead of taking guidance for all matters requiring guidance from the Book of Allah,people insist upon copying the ways of their fathers...

" What ! Have We given them a Book before this to which they are holding fast ?" (43:21)

"Nay ! They say:`We found our FATHERS following a certain way and we will guide ourselves by their footsteps." (43:22)

"Just in the same manner,whenever We sent a Warner before you to any town,the wealthy ones among them said:`Surely we found our FATHERS following a certain way and we will certainly follow in their f By following the faith of their ancestors people get involved in worshipping those names and heroes which exist in their ancestrol traditions and donot serve Allah alone.Joseph (PBUH) also faced simi "If not Him you serve nothing but names which you have named,you and your FATHERS,--for which Allah has revealed no authority:The governence is for none but Allah;He has ordered thet you serve none b

The condition of those who blindly followed their parents and ancestors' faith in the hereafter

It is essential once we have the opportunity in this lifetime that we use our reasoning and the criteria of Al Qur'an in analysing the faith that we have inherited from our parents,whether it confirm "Then their return is to the BLAZING (fire)." (37:68)

"Surely they found their FATHERS on the wrong path." (37:69)

"So they (too) rushed down their footsteps." (37:70)

Allah will question on the last day...

"The fire will burn their faces and they will grin therein with their lips displaced." (23:104)

"Were not my AYAT (Verses) REHEARSED TO YOU and you did but treat them as falsehoods?"(23:105)

"They will say:`Our Sustainer ! Our misfortune overwhelmed us and we became a people astray!" (23:106)

people will further admit on that day...

"They will (further) say:Had we but listened or USED OUR INTELLIGENCE,we should not (now) be among the companions of the BLAZING FIRE !" (67:10)

Relationship with Parents if they are unbelievers

To a Believer,the cause of Allah is what matters the most.Believers cannot give preference to their parents,children,relatives,careers etc over the cause of Allah,mentioned in Al Qur'an.The following "Say:`If it be that your FATHERS, or your sons,or your brothers,or your mates,or your relatives;the wealth that you have gained,the commerce in which you fear a decline;or the buildings in which you If the Parents and relatives hold such beliefs and actions that are against the teachings of Al Qur'an ,then they are not to be taken into intimate ranks:

"O Believers ! Take not as protectors your FATHERS or your BROTHERS if they love Disbelief (Kufr) above Belief (Eimaan).If any of you do so then they are from the Oppressors." (9:23)

In such a situation were parents are unbelievers,we are to deliver the message to them and incase they donnot respond positively and are harsh and aggressive,then bear with patience but should not mi "And remember in The Book ,Abraham;He was a true Nabi/Prophet." (19:41) "When he said to his FATHER;`O my father why serve that which hears not sees not and can profit you nothing ?" (19:42) "O my father! To me has come knowledge that has not reached you:So follow me.I will guide you to a way that is even and straight." (19:43) "O my father serve not Satan,for Satan is a rebel against (Allah) Most gracious." (19:44)

"O my father ! I fear that a penalty from (Allah) Most Gracious afflict you,so that you become to Satan ,a friend." (19:45)

To Abraham's (PBUH) invitation his father responded in negative:

"(The father) replied :`Do you hate my gods O Abraham ? If you forbear not,I WILL INDEED STONE YOU ! Now get away from me for a long while ! " (19:46)

Abraham (PBUH) did not reply in a harsh manner to his father's threat...

"(Abraham) Said:`PEACE BE ON YOU:I WILL PRAY TO MY SUSTAINER FOR YOUR FORGIVENESS,for He is to me most Gracious." (19:47)

Believers donot have any affection or love for those who oppose the way of life prescribed by the Qur'an even if they are their parents and near relatives:

"You will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last day,loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger even though they were their FATHERS or their brothers,or their kindred.For such He

Righteous Parents of no help

Even if our Parents are genuinely righteous in the sight of Allah,even then they can be of no help to us on the last day.As each and everyone of us is responsible for our own actions (See 53:38,35:18 "And Noah called upon his Sustainer,and said:`O my Sustainer,surely MY SON is of my family and your promise is true and you are the most just of judges !" (11:45)

"(Allah) Said :`O Noah ! He is not from your family,for his conduct is not corrective,so ask not of Me that of which you have no knowledge! I give you counsel,lest you act like the ignorant!" (11:46)

We are responsible and accountable for our own actions,what our parents and ancestors did ,we will not be questioned about them:

"That was a Nation that has passed away.For them is what they earned and for you is what you earn.And you will not be questioned as to what they did. (2:141)

Allah's reminder to Mankind

Mankind are reminded,about the day when parents and children will be of no help to each other.In this life we are responsible for our own beliefs and actions and have been provided with the faculty o "O Mankind ! Do your duty to your Sustainer,and fear a day when no father can avail ought for his son,nor a son avail aught for his father,Surely the promise of Allah is true:Let not then this presen It is requested that any questions or comments relevent to the topic be sent to the following address: [email protected]

Salaam