Thinking of marrying an atheist
21-7-2004 | IslamWeb
Question:
I have been away from Islam and done major sins, I have now repented, praying and I stopped what I used to do, regret it and I never want to do it again. I'm reading Qur'an, Hadith and Tafseer to know more. I have 2 questions, so please bear with me. First question I know this girl, who was an atheist and I gave her some things to read. She believed in Allah. Then she wanted to choose a religion. I also recommended Islam but the materials available in her language about Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)are misleading and implies things that are real nasty, full of lies, things like prayers were invented after his death, wrong things but I'm suffering trying to correct these things. What can I do any advice?
The second question is that if this girl wants to marry me, embrace Islam, but she is no fully convinced of it, she said that she hopes that in time and after we are together, she will be sure it's the only true thing, can I marry her? Will she be considered a Muslim? Is it right to do so?
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.
First of all, it should be mentioned that you did really well by repenting to Allaah, treading the correct path, establishing the prayers and being keen on seeking knowledge.
We ask Allaah to make us all firm on His true path.
You should know that it is not permissible for a Muslim man to establish an affectionate relationship with a non-Mahram woman, and it is not permissible for him to talk with her except for a necessity and without being in seclusion with her, and provided he feels secure from being tempted by her.
Therefore, you have to avoid talking to this woman or keeping company with her in order to be safe in your religion.
As regards calling her to Islam, you can guide her to some Islamic websites in English. You can also inform her about some Islamic centers in her country.
But it is not permissible to marry her, as she is still a non-Muslim and has not yet embraced Islam wholeheartedly without any doubt.
Allaah says (what means): {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.} [Quran 2:221]
Being convinced by Islam and wishing to embrace it is not an sound reason for you to get married with her. However, if she embraces Islam, becomes steadfast on it, and abides by the Sharee'ah, then it becomes permissible for you, Allaah willing, to get married to her.
Allaah Knows best.