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815 I wanted to ask about the divide within society, in regards to where a person comes from. recently I was told that since I’m not a born Muslim, but have been guided to learn and follow Allah (S.W.T) late in my life, and also that I didn't belong to a certain village, and therefore am not a certain caste and supposedly do not follow the same way of living as this family, I may not be accepted by the Mother to marry her Son. This is because people might look badly towards this family after.

Please for my peace of mind can you clarify whether this caste divide is correct? I have read in the Holy Quran that a believing man may marry a woman believer or one of the people of the Scriptures.

I also understand that it would be wrong to make a son choose over his mother as Paradise is between her feet, therefore I would not insist on this marriage. However are the reasons of refusal given to me correct? Please can you clarify for me? Is it correct to do so to uphold the honour of their family?
Islam came to bring people together, not divide them. The division of the human race into different colours, races and ethnicities was something that Allah (S.W.T) did so people can appreciate one another (Quran 49:13), not so that they can belittle one another.

Allama Alousi, a famous commentator of the Quran, includes a saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) under the above referenced verse:

Imam Baihaqi has reported from Abu Amama (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘Allah has eliminated the pride and haughtiness of Jaahiliyya (the period of ignorance) that occurs because of one’s paternal lineage.

You are all equally the children of Adam and Hawwa like two Saa’ (measures used for food). Undoubtedly the most respected amongst you in the eyes of Allah (S.W.T) is the one with the most Taqwa (piety). So whoever comes to you with whom you are pleased with his religion and trustworthiness, then marry [his daughters].’

In short, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught that rather than giving consideration to lineage and casts, faith and piety should be of paramount importance. When a pious partner is found, then marriage should be sought irrespective of caste and race.

Imam Tirmidhi narrates,

‘Abu Hatim al-Muzani reports that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘When one comes with whom you are pleased with his faith and moral character, then marry. If you do not, then there will be discord and great calamity on earth. If you do not, then there will be discord and great calamity on earth.’ The Companions asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah! What if they are such and such [poor or from a different caste]?’

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, ‘When one comes with whom you are pleased with his faith and moral character, then marry’ and he said this thrice.’

(Answered by: Alims at Islamic Centre, Leicester, UK.)
Category (Islam / Muslims)
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