Marriage Status Of A Couple That Reverted To Islam

Question: Assalamualaikum.
If a married Christian couple accepts Islam in future, should they re-marry again as per islamic law and if they had a child what about it?

Answer: Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

If both of them accept Islam at the same time, and they were previously married in accordance to the guidelines of the former religion, then they will continue to be lawfully married in Islam and there is no need for them to re-marry in accordance to the Islamic law.

As for the child who is a minor (that is, one who has not reached the age of puberty as yet), he will automatically become a Muslim on account of the parents’ acceptance of Islam. However, if the son/daughter had already reached the age of puberty, then he/she will need to formally accept Islam.(Al HIdaya, KItab An NIkah-Baab Nikah Ahl Ash Shirk).

And Allah Knows Best.

Mufti Wasem Khan.

21/10/2014