Islamic Rulings - Living Shariah Verdicts

Islamic Questions & Answers

I am converting to Islam, however I find it difficult to tell my family..I will do so in time however is it necessary to announce it officially.
I wish to also become a wife to a man (who already has a wife and children) for islamic reasons. The difficult part is also telling his family
Is it necessary to annouce our marriage? As we do not wish to hurt anyone.
I trust you will be able to guide me as will Allah.

Praise be to Allaah.

You do not have to announce your Islam, whether officially or to your family, and it is permissible to keep it a secret if there is some fear of harm. As for marriage, however, the sunnah is to announce it, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Announce marriages." (Reported by Imaam Ahmad in Musnad ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Zubayr; classed as hasan in Saheeh al-Jaami', 1072). If a marriage is announced in one city or location, it need not be announced in another, but we do not advise you to conceal the news of your marriage, especially since such news usually becomes known eventually. This news is likely to be a big shock to the first wife, so announcing the marriage is in the interests of all concerned, as it establishes fair and just treatment for both wives. And Allaah is the Source of strength.

Marriage according to sharee'ah but not the law of the land

If you get married in islamic law but not in the states eyes, and have relations with the one you married is that adultury.

Praise be to Allaah.

If you get married according to the law of Allaah and His Messenger, it does not matter if the whole world of man-made laws disagrees with that. She will be your legitimate wife and you can have relations with her whenever you wish – this is not considered to be haraam or adulterous. How could it be, when you have married her according to the sharee'ah and it has become legitimate for you to have intercourse with her by the word of Allaah! This ruling is also of benefit to anyone who may wish to marry more than one woman in countries where polygyny is forbidden by jaahili man-made law. And Allaah is the Source of strength.

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