Ruling on marrying a woman who has no religion

Question: 2851

Is it permissible for a Muslim man to marry
a woman who professes no faith or "deen" at all -- an "agnostic"?

Answer

Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:

This is not permitted at all, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “… they are not lawful (wives) for the disbelievers nor are the disbelievers lawful (husbands) for them…” [al-Mumtahinah 60:10]. An exception is made in the case of chaste women of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians), because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “(Lawful to you in marriage) are … and chaste women from those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) before your time…” [al-Maa’idah 5:5]. And Allaah knows best.