A Muslim man married a woman from

Q: A Muslim man married, to be more accurate, he took an African woman as a bondwoman for himself. (Part No. 18; Page No. 305) This African woman is an atheist, but she turned to Christianity. Despite this, she is neither a Christian, nor an atheist i.e., she does not uphold the principals or the practices of Christianity, but she does not claim atheism. This man took her from her father for a dowry of ten cows, sixty goats, and some money he gave to her father. It should be known that she may not be attributed to her father. Based on the above, is she lawful for the questioner before she turns to Islam? If he lives with this girl, would their relationship be prohibited or not? It should also be mentioned that she agreed to go with him only after giving the previously mentioned dowry to her father. Is she lawful for him before embracing Islam? If she turns to Islam, would she be lawful for him before concluding the marriage contract? Can he live with her without a contract as a bondwoman? Please answer me.

A: If the matter is as you have mentioned, that she was an atheist but turned to Christianity, and that she is neither an atheist, nor a Christian who practices the basics of her religion, it is not permissible for you to marry her. She is neither a Muslim, nor one of the People of the Book - The Jews and the Christians - She is also unlawful for him from the aspect of being a bondwoman, for she has no owner from whom she can be bought. However, she becomes lawful for you only after she turns to Islam, with a new marriage contract and a Mahr (mandatory gift to a bride from her groom), (Part No. 18; Page No. 306) just like other free Muslim women. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.