Generally, within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, marriage to a non-Ahmadi is discouraged and considered problematic, particularly in the case of women marrying outside the faith.
Marriage within the Ahmadiyya Community
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community places a strong emphasis on marrying within the faith. This practice is rooted in their interpretation of Islamic teachings, aiming to maintain the unity and strength of the community and its adherence to its specific tenets. While the Quran permits Muslim men to marry women of the "People of the Book," the Ahmadiyya interpretation does not extend this permission broadly to all situations.
Specific Considerations:
- Women marrying outside the faith: According to the provided reference, the community's leader has declared it a sin for an Ahmadi to give their daughter in marriage to a non-Ahmadi, citing a Quranic verse (Surah al-Ma'idah) regarding marriage to the "People of the Book" as the basis for this decision. This indicates a stricter interpretation regarding women's marriages within the community.
- Men marrying outside the faith: The reference does not directly address Ahmadi men marrying non-Ahmadi women. However, given the emphasis on marrying within the community, it is implied that such unions are also discouraged. Further research into Ahmadiyya teachings is needed for a definitive stance on this aspect.
- Community Guidance: Ultimately, any Ahmadi considering marriage to a non-Ahmadi would likely seek guidance from religious leaders and elders within their community.
The reference highlights that a specific interpretation of Quranic verses (Surah al-Ma'idah) guides the community's stance on marrying outside the faith. This interpretation is central to understanding their guidelines on interfaith marriages.