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Fatwa CenterMuslim Sister in Uk Finds It Difficult to Marry because of Her Color
Question
I am a 23 year old Muslim sister who was born and raised in the UK, but of UAE/Sudanese percentage. Both my parents died when I was 10 years ago. I have been trying to get married and have inquired about this issue, but have not been successful looking in the UK. It seems that even practising Muslims here, and no doubt elsewhere, carry the un-Islamic concept of racism, preferring to marry white Arabs or sisters that have reverted to Islam. Although I have a good understanding of Qada wa Qadr, I find the fact that I can't seem to be able to marry very upsetting. My manager at work is non-Muslim and at one stage expressed interest in me, even though I do not mix with them and cover with hijab and jilbab. I dismissed my manager's advances and he has since said he has an interest in islam and asked if i could meet him. 1- How should I direct this man? 2- Could you tell me if it is mandub not to marry a person because of colour/race as I have been told by some imams? 3- If I am finding it difficult here to marry, do I have to make Hijrah? 4-Is there any hadith that says an Arab woman should only marry an Arab man? How is it classed? Please excuse the length of my questions. Jazakallah Khyir
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
1. First of all, we would like to greet our Muslim sister and congratulate her for her good adherence to Islam, its teachings, and her steadfastness for her true religion. May Allah bless you on your purity and devotion to Islam. We knew from our sister that she believes in predestination. Yes, every Muslim should believe that everything in this world is by the will of Allah, happiness, sorrows, poverty, richness etc.; all things are from Almighty Allah, every person should return towards his Lord and seek what he needs in his life. Surely Allah will respond to his requirements and accept his request.
2. Do not worry about your marriage, you are on a high rank in the sight of Islam. Prophet Muhammad said: “A man marries a woman for four reasons: for her wealth, for her lineage, for her beauty, or for her piety. Choose the pious one, may you be blessed.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] We suppose you are a religious girl. Indeed, Allah will help you. Turn to Allah and He will surely grant you a good match, Allah willing.
3. Do not give any attention to your manager, and do not make notice of his proposal unless he embraces Islam. When he converts to Islam and announces his new religion, then you may marry him. Beware of being deceived. If he accepts Islam due to your good efforts, Allah will grant you a very good reward, Allah willing.
4. Suitability in Islam is based on religion only. Other than religion every thing else could be neglected. Because Allah Says (what means): {Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.} [Quran 49:13]
This was also reported from Prophet in many authentic Ahaadeeth.
5. What people are claiming that an Arab Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Arab Muslim man is wrong. There is no origin for it in Islam. A Muslim (man or woman) can marry every true Muslim.
For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 82471.
Allah knows best.
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