A man whose parents are Ismaili, asks a Sunni woman for marriage
Fatwa No: 91251

Question

I am a Sunni Muslim female. There is a man who asked for my hand who is a Muslim also, says La Ilaaha Illa Allaah wa Ana Muhammad Rasool Allaah, he reads the Quran also and has most of it memorized. No the only thing that I am concerned about is that his parents are Ismaaeeli, but he says that he does not really consider himself that way, but all he believes in is Allaah and the Prophet Muhammad, Salat and fasting Ramadhaan. Please let me know if it is Halaal for me to marry him. May Allaah reward you. A man whose parents are Ismail, asks a Sunni woman for marriage

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds.  I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

What is considered when choosing a spouse is religion and good moral conduct.  The Prophet said: "If a man whose religion and good moral conduct are pleasing to you asks to marry your daughter, you should marry her off to him." [At-Tirmithi]  There is no doubt that this man is not necessarily from the deviant and misguided groups to which his father belongs.  However, we advise you not to hasten things and your guardian should not hasten to accept marrying you off to him unless he investigates his matter, and seeks advice of those who know him.  Then, if it becomes evident that his belief is correct, there is no harm to accept him as a husband after performing the Istikhaarah prayer.  Nonetheless, if it is clear that he is upon the belief of his parents, then it is not permissible for you to marry him because the said group is based on principles of disbelief, and we have previously mentioned some of their beliefs in Fatwa 82794, so please refer to it.

If his matter is not clear [if you are not absolutely certain that he does not belong to that group] then it is better not to marry him.  Marital life is a long and complicated way, and being negligent in choosing a pious husband could lead to bad consequences, especially if the matter is about religion and correct belief.  It might be that Allaah will grant you a better husband.  Allaah Says (what means): {....and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you.  Allaah Knows but you do not know.}[Quran 2:216].  Allaah further Says (what means): {And whoever fears Allaah -- He will make for him of his matter ease.}[Quran 65:4].

Allaah Knows best.  

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