Can we marry a non Muslim even if they convert??
One of the verses of the Quraan guiding us for the selection of our spouse is:
"And do not marry the idolatresses until they believe, and certainly a believing maid is better than an idolatress woman, even though she should please you; and do not give (believing women) in marriage to idolaters until they believe, and certainly abelieving servant is better than an idolater, even though he should please you; these invite to the fire, and Allah invites to the garden and to forgiveness by His will, and makes clear His communications to men, that they may be mindful."
(2:221)
The verse above very clearly indicate that the non muslim party should believe.The arabic word used here is 'MOMIN' not 'MUSLIM'.We all know that 'MOMIN' means believer so just converting on paper does not make a person a 'MOMIN'.The non Muslim party should practice Islam & not practice other non Muslim faiths.
However,there are some scholars who make an exception in the case of Jews & Christians(People of the Book),but the Quraan is clear in thier case too.
"This day (all) the good things are allowed to you; and the food of those who have been given the Book is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them; and the chaste from among the believing women and the chaste from among those who have been given the Book before you (are lawful for you); when you have given them their dowries, taking (them) in marriage, not fornicating nor taking them for paramours in secret; and whoever denies faith, his work indeed is of no account, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers. "(5:5)
Here again if we notice chaste is used implying good follower women from the Jews & Christians.In the Bible & Torah we observe,they too are ordered not to not worship idols,not drink alcohol,to believe in one God etc etc.Any of them who follow all this are permitted not the present day Jews or Christians who worship idols & violate many rules from the Bible & Torah.