Do not marry polytheists until they believe
Verse: 2:221
Arabic Text
وَلَا تَنكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكَاتِ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنَّۚ وَلَأَمَةٌ مُّؤْمِنَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن مُشْرِكَةٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَتْكُمْ
Translation
And do not marry polytheistic women until they believe. And a believing slave woman is better than a polytheist, even though she might please you.
Description
This verse advises Muslims to choose believing partners over non-believers, highlighting faith's importance in marriage.
Detailed Explanation
This verse from the Quran highlights a significant principle in Islam regarding marriage. It advises Muslims not to marry those who associate partners with Allah until they have embraced the faith. The underlying message is the importance of shared beliefs in a marriage. Having the same foundational values can lead to a peaceful and harmonious family life. This guidance may seem strict, but it emphasizes the importance of faith in Islam.
According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir, this Quranic verse stresses that, even if a person finds a polytheistic woman attractive or pleasing, the spiritual aspect is far more important in a marital relationship. Choosing a believing partner ensures that both husband and wife can help each other in their faith journey and build a strong, pious family. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the significance of religious compatibility when choosing a spouse. According to a Hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her religion. So, you should marry the religious woman; otherwise, you will be a loser."
As a young Muslim, it's essential to internalize this teaching as it encourages prioritizing faith over material or superficial attributes. By understanding the wisdom behind this guidance, you'll realize that a marriage built on shared beliefs and spiritual goals can lead to a more fulfilling and successful union. Islam encourages you to seek what's best for your faith and, in doing so, build a stronger, more cohesive family and community.