Under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (may Allah be his Helper), question-and-answer sessions are being held across Canada with Respected Amir Sahib. As not all questions can be addressed during these gatherings, selected questions and their answers, prepared by the National Tarbiyat Department, are published in the Gazette for readers’ benefit.
QUESTION: “Why does the Jama’at remove individuals who marry outside the Jama’at, even if their families have no objection? And why are such individuals sometimes later re-admitted?”
ANSWER:
To understand this, it is essential to remember that the criteria for selecting a spouse have been clearly outlined in both the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith. These divine instructions serve as guidance for every believer when entering into marriage.
The Holy Qur’an states:
And marry not idolatrous women until they believe; even a believing bond-woman is better than an idolatress, although she may highly please you. And give not believing women in marriage to idolaters until they believe; even a believing slave is better than an idolater, although he may highly please you. These call to the Fire, but Allah calls to Heaven and to forgiveness by His command. And He makes His Signs clear to the people that they may remember. (2:222)
In the same spirit, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “A woman may be married for four reasons: for her wealth, her lineage, her beauty, and her religion. So choose the one who is religious.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, 5090]
This Hadith outlines the true criteria for choosing a spouse — faith and religion. It also clarifies the purpose of marriage in Islam: not just companionship, but a shared dedication to Allah — to build a family devoted to His worship, obedience, and service to humanity.
When a member chooses to marry outside the Jama’at, they effectively step outside the spiritual system that is designed to safeguard and nurture that faith. The Jama’at’s discipline in such cases is not a form of punishment, but a reminder of the importance of faith and the collective commitment its members have promised to uphold.
However, Islam is also a religion of mercy and forgiveness. It is the Sunnah, or practice, of Allah and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that when a person admits their mistake and seeks forgiveness sincerely, their repentance is accepted. In line with this principle, the Jama’at may reinstate such individuals after they show genuine remorse and reaffirm their connection with the Jama’at.
Therefore, both temporary removal and subsequent reinstatement are based on the same spiritual philosophy: to protect faith, uphold divine commandments, and guide every believer back to the path of righteousness and unity.
