Most scholars say you can marry someone who doesn’t pray — but that simple verdict masks real-life risks about faith, family life and whether the person truly believes.
Marriage to a person who does not pray is religiously permissible, but there are important considerations that couples should keep in mind.
All the leading jurists agree: marriage to such a person is permitted, although it carries a degree of dislike (makruh). Marrying a sinful person is discouraged, and someone who habitually fails to pray is commonly considered to be acting in a state of sinfulness.
Ayatollah Makarem has stated that if a person believes in prayer but omits it out of laziness, they are not an unbeliever; they remain a sinful Muslim and marriage to them is allowed. Such a person should be advised (enjoined) to perform the prayer. However, if the person does not accept prayer in principle — that is, they deny its validity — then marriage is not correct.
Prayer is the pillar of religion: Prayer is one of Islam’s fundamental duties, and abandoning it is considered a major sin.Impact on married life: Differences over religious commitment can strain a marriage and become a source of ongoing conflict.Responsibility for children: Raising children in a religious way is a joint parental duty; mismatch between partners on basic religious practice can complicate this responsibility.
Religious authorities vary in detail, but the general consensus is that marrying a person who does not pray does not automatically make the marriage invalid. Still, most scholars prefer a partner who is religiously observant.
Reason for not praying: If the person omits prayer out of ignorance or negligence, they may be open to guidance and change; if they reject prayer, reform is less likely.
Differences in belief: Diverging beliefs about religion can produce serious long-term issues in a marriage.
Children’s upbringing: If one parent is nonpracticing, disagreements about religious education and practice may arise.
Future prospects: Consider whether the person is likely to return to regular practice or continue neglecting it — that affects the family’s future.
Marriage with someone who does not pray is legally permissible in Islam, but it is discouraged in many cases. Prospective spouses should discuss beliefs and practices honestly, seek advice and consult knowledgeable people, and weigh the likely impact on family life and children before making a decision.
