According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the ruling on marriage with non-believers is nuanced and based on the protection of faith (Iman). The Quran in verse 2:221 explicitly forbids marriage between believers (men and women) and polytheists (Mushrikin), defining a believing slave as superior to a polytheist. [2, 9] This prohibition, as explained by Ibn Kathir, is due to the inherent conflict in belief, where polytheists 'invite to the Fire'. [2] However, a specific exception is detailed in Quran 5:5, where Muslim men are permitted to marry chaste women from the 'People of the Book' (Ahl al-Kitab), namely Jews and Christians. Al-Qurtubi and other jurists clarify this is a specific allowance recognizing their monotheistic roots. [1] There is a scholarly consensus (Ijma) based on these verses and the principles of family structure in Islam that Muslim women are prohibited from marrying any non-Muslim man, to safeguard her faith and ensure the Islamic upbringing of children. [5, 13] This comprehensive framework prioritizes shared belief as the ultimate foundation for a successful Islamic marriage.