Q. Could you please explain which non-Muslims a Muslim may marry. It is my understanding that this applies to Christians and Jews, as they are the ones referred to in the Qur’an as ‘People of the Book’, but someone has told me that this expression means anyone who believes in God.
J. Bratty
A. It is clear in the Qur’an that the expression ‘People of the Book’, which I prefer to translate as ‘People of earlier revelations’, refers to Christians and Jews, as they are the remaining followers of earlier divine messages. Other messages, like those of Abraham, Noah, Joseph, etc. have disappeared and practically have no followers. To try to expand the term to others who believe in God is wrong, because it relies on no sound basis. Besides, belief in God should rely on a true conception of Him. Without a divine message, such belief could be erroneous. Who would define which is a true believer in God and who is not? Hence, the only right thing is to say that a Muslim man may marry a Muslim woman or a woman who follows either Christianity or Judaism. On the other hand, a Muslim woman may only marry a Muslim man.
Arab News Islam 16 June 2003
