Common questions asked by converts / re-verts to Islam

Marriage, divorce and sex

Marriage
Can Muslims marry non-Muslims? Muslim females can only marry Muslim men. Muslim men can marry women from the "People of the Book." Some scholars view that "People of the Book" does not refer to modern or latter Christians, However, I personally have done no research on the beliefs of contemporary Jews. Refer to the other section on this site which discusses marriage to Christians and Jewish women.
Are Muslim men allowed to marry four women? Yes. However, they require to be fair and just in regard to association with them. This practice is not common, but some Muslim men may have two wives simultaneously.
Does a Muslim require the consent of any of his existing wives to marry again? No. However, it is ethical for the husband to inform her prior to the second marriage that he would be marrying so that she could make the necessary adjustments related to her life and relationship with him.
 
 
 
 

Divorce
Can Muslims divorce? Yes. It is not preferred but is allowed due to various differences that can arise between parties. However, Islamic legal rulings do not necessarily demand or require the Islamic divorce to be done through secular legal courts although this practice may be adopted in some Muslim countries which do not necessarily advocate Islamic law in totality.
Is it true that the male has the right to divorce without a court decree? What is the female's protection in such a case in regard to her life, marital home and other rights? Yes, it is true that a Muslim male has the right to divorce without a court decree. This does not imply that Islamic society is filled with divorce. Also, his right to unilaterally divorce is given in the Qur'an and cannot be denied. Generally, males are careful to divorce because, although they hold the right to divorce, they cannot continue to re-marry the same female since after issuing three divorces to the same female, a person cannot re-marry her unless she was married to another person and later, in the course of life, got divorced. Also, because a divorce ends the right to intercourse and has implications in terms of custody, the issue of divorce is a serious matter in Islamic society.
 

Sexual Issues
What is the Islamic ruling on pre-marital sex between consenting partners? Islam prohibits this.
Why does Islam prohibit homosexuality - lesbianism and gay associations? These are the rules of Allah, who, in His wisdom, has declared these relationships to be immoral, unnatural and prohibited. 
What is the Islamic view on masturbation? According to ahadith given, masturbation is prohibited. Some scholars allowed it in the case of dire necessity in certain situations but on he basis of being a lesser evil and not on the basis of being a permitted act. Answer needs to be written from Ihlaa-us-Sunan by Sheikh Zafar Ahmed Thanwi
Does Islam prohibit anal sex? Yes, even if this be between a husband and his lawful wife. This also applies during menstruation when a man is not allowed to have intercourse.
What is the Islamic view or pornography? Islam prohibits this immaterial whether in print, video, any digital media or other contrived format. Likewise, the prohibition applies to adults as well as children and to all types of pornography immaterial whether softcore or hardcore.
What is Islam's view on incest? Islam, naturally, prohibits such an abomination and an evil deed.
What is the Islamic view on contraception?
Islam allows non-Muslim Christian and Jewish females as well as Muslim females to marry people who are Imams, or priest like Muslims. Can such males be passionate or is there reservations in love making about certain things?
 
 

Conduct between males and females
 
Why can't males admire female bodies besides those of their lawful wives? Islam does not allow the viewing of the private organs of another person, immaterial whether such a person be of the same sex or opposite sex unless due to necessity e.g. the doctor-patient requirement. The entire body of the adult female besides her hands to the wrists, feet to the ankles and face is declared prohibited for people; besides her parents, brothers and maternal or paternal uncles and grand parents to watch. Her brothers, natural father, grand-parents and maternal or paternal uncles may look at her head as well without lust. In terms of the Hanafi interpretation, the entire area from the navel to exactly below the knees is part of the male's private area. In case of dire need e.g. for medical reasons, a doctor is allowed to view his patient to a necessary extent and period of time.