Two Conditions For Marrying a Jewish or Christian Woman
Question :
Allah, Most High says:
"Made lawful to you this day are At-Tayyibāt [all kinds of Halal (lawful) foods, which Allah has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables and fruits)]. The food (slaughtered cattle, eatable animals) of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) is lawful to you and yours is lawful to them. (Lawful to you in marriage) are chaste women from the believers and chaste women from those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) before your time."
The Verse is a declaration of the validity of marriage to a Jewish or Christian woman. Is this applicable to the Jewish or Christian woman now, when she says: "My Lord is 'Isa," i.e., when she is a polytheist?
Answer:
It is apparent from this Verse that it is permissible to marry the women of the People of the Scripture, from among the Jews and Christians, on the condition that she is free from illegal sexual intercourse, and all that leads to it. It is well known that the People of the Book submit to their Scriptures, even though they are abrogated by this Law delivered by Muhammad, and this Verse is considered to be an explanation for the Words of Allah, Most High:
"And do not marry Al-Mushrikāt (idolatresses) till they believe (worship Allah Alone)."
and His Words:
"Likewise hold not the disbelieving women as wives.
In spite of this, some of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, expressed their dislike of this type of marriage. 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, forbade it, saying: "I fear that they may undertake marriage with fornicating women." However, the majority hold that it is permissible on condition of chastity and protection of the (marital) bed (i.e., from the children of adulterous relationships being attributed to the husband).
Source:
Ibn Jibreen
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 5 Pages 294-295