For young adults in the UK, meeting non-Muslims at college, university or work is normal, and relationships happen. How parents respond shapes what happens next.
First, don’t do these
- Threaten to disown them.
- Force a quick marriage to someone else (forced marriage is a crime in the UK).
- Insult the partner.
The Islamic rulings, simply
| Situation | Ruling |
|---|---|
| Muslim woman and non-Muslim man | Not permitted (Quran 60:10; 2:221) |
| Muslim man and chaste Christian or Jewish woman | Permitted in principle (Quran 5:5), but many scholars discourage it today, especially in non-Muslim countries |
| Muslim and a person of another or no religion | Not permitted |
| Dating before marriage | Not permitted, whoever the partner is |
For details about their situation, involve a trusted local scholar.
Questions to talk through together
- How would you raise your children? Which faith?
- Would your partner be comfortable with prayer, fasting and halal food at home?
- Has your partner shown interest in Islam, sincerely and for their own sake?
If the partner becomes interested in Islam
Encourage them to learn properly, with time and without pressure. A conversion only for marriage is not real; sincere interest is welcome.
Keep the relationship with your child
Whatever happens, your child needs to know they can come home and talk to you.
Teacher’s tip: young people who have their own understanding of Islam, not just family rules, make wiser choices about marriage. It is never too late to learn together.
Related: My 19-year-old wants to get married and boyfriend or girlfriend.
