While this idea has been widely circulated in the media and by political groups, it is essential to assess whether such a concept has any foundation in Islamic teachings. To do so, we must look at what the Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence say about conversion, marriage, coercion, and interfaith relationships.
1. Is “Love Jihad” an Islamic Concept?
The term "Love Jihad" is not mentioned in the Qur’an, Hadith, or any classical Islamic legal texts. It is a modern, politically motivated term with no religious origin or validity in Islam.
Islam does not condone any form of deception or coercion—especially in matters of faith and marriage. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that intentions (niyyah) and sincerity are at the core of every action:
The very first hadith from the book of Sahih Bukhari, which has recorded the sayings of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh), rejects the notion of "Love Jihad". It clearly states that actions are rewarded based on intentions. And if someone travelled with Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) for the sake of worldly gains or to marry a woman, his actions will not be rewarded.“Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will be rewarded according to what he intended. So whoever migrates for Allah and His Messenger, his migration is for Allah and His Messenger; and whoever migrates for worldly gain or to marry a woman, his migration is for that for which he migrated." — (Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 1)
If someone were to feign love or manipulate another person into converting or marrying under false pretenses, this would go against both Islamic ethics and Shariah law.
2. Embracing Islam Must Be Genuine and Wholehearted
The Qur’an makes it crystal clear that faith cannot be forced upon anyone:
"There is no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clearly from error..."
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256)
These verses highlight that Islamic belief must come from free will and inner conviction, not from emotional manipulation, force, or hidden agendas. Any conversion carried out only to facilitate marriage, and not from sincere belief, is religiously invalid.“And say: The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills – let him believe; and whoever wills – let him disbelieve.”
— Surah Al-Kahf (18:29)
3. Islam’s Stance on Deception and Coercion
Islam strictly forbids any form of deceit. Pretending to love someone with the hidden intent of converting them is considered hypocrisy and dishonesty, both of which are major sins in Islam.
The above verse condemns dishonesty and double standards in all forms, including relationships."Destruction awaits those who cheat in measurements—those who, when they receive by measure from others, take it in full, but when they measure or weigh for others, they give less." — Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:1–3)
4. Prophetic Example: Islam Spread Through Character, Not Coercion
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never compelled anyone to accept Islam. His kindness, justice, and sincerity were the main reasons why people accepted the faith. A well-known example is the conversion of many non-Muslims in Makkah and Madinah after seeing the Prophet's character.
Even when he had political and military power, he upheld the right of individuals to choose their faith freely.
This Hadith shows that the Prophet ﷺ protected the rights and dignity of non-Muslims, refuting the notion that Islam promotes targeted conversions.“Anyone who wrongs a non-Muslim living under Muslim protection—I will stand against him on the Day of Judgment.”
— Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 3052
6. The Myth of “Love Jihad” and Its Harm
The promotion of the "Love Jihad" narrative has resulted in:
(a) Mistrust and communal tension
(b) Vigilantism and violence
(c) Restrictions on freedom of choice in marriage
It is important to distinguish individual cases of deception, which can happen in any community, from systematic religious campaigns, which have no basis in Islamic teachings.
Islam Rejects the Notion of “Love Jihad”
Islam does not recognize or support the concept of Love Jihad. Islam prohibits coercion in faith, forbids deceit in relationships, and upholds freedom of belief and dignity for all individuals, regardless of religion. Conversions must be voluntary and sincere, and marriages must be based on honesty, mutual respect, and shared values.
Any actions that contradict these principles—such as manipulating someone emotionally to change their religion—are un-Islamic and go against the core teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.