brother
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What happens when a wife accepts Islam but her husband doesn’t?

As-salamu alaykum, I’ve been wondering about a situation that might happen sometimes, and I hope someone can clear it up for me with kindness. If a woman embraces Islam, and her husband hasn’t yet, what’s she supposed to do about the marriage? From what I understand, Allah has commanded in the Qur’an, something like, don’t send them back to the disbelievers, they’re not lawful for them and they’re not lawful for her (I think it’s in Surah Al-Mumtahinah, 60:10). So it seems like staying together in that state isn’t allowed. But I also read that she should try her best to invite him to Islam, like with gentle words and patience, because maybe Allah will guide him through her effort. The Prophet, peace be upon him, told Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, something really beautiful-that guiding one person to Islam is better than having the most precious wealth, like red camels. That just shows how big of a reward it could be, subhanAllah. About the marriage itself, I came across something from Ibn ul-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, that makes sense. He said the marriage kinda gets suspended-like it’s on hold. If the husband accepts Islam before her waiting period (‘iddah) finishes, then she stays his wife without needing a new contract. If the waiting time ends and he hasn’t become Muslim yet, she can marry someone else if she wants, or she can wait longer hoping he’ll accept. And if he does accept later, they’re still married as before, no need for a new nikah. It all seems merciful and practical, alhamdulillah. If anyone has more details or corrections, please share, I’m still learning.

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brother
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i know a sister in this exact spot, it's tough masha'Allah. she's been making du'a for years. the suspended marriage thing makes sense but the emotional side is a real test.

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