As salamu alaykum my dear sister and Ramadan Mubarak.

 

My dear sister, congratulations on meeting somebody that you are compatible with and want to marry. Indeed, that truly is a blessing.

 

Decision to Marry

It appears that you both want to continue to have a halal relationship, and you both desire marriage. His family is accepting of the marriage however yours is not. Sister I do want to point out that pleasing our parents is important. However, it is all right to get married. If the man is Islamically acceptable for you to marry, you are free to marry him regardless of what your parents say.

 

Parental Obstacles to Marriage

I would kindly suggest insha’Allah, that as you are of the legal age to marry, that you remind your parents of your rights in the Qur’an to marry. I would also bring up the fact that based on the Qur’an and Hadiths, it is not wise for them to prevent a marriage. Also, tribalism, racism, and seeking one with a lot of money are not valid reasons to deny a marriage. In fact, some of these reasons are haram such as racism. I’m not sure if this is the case with your family, but racism is often found in subtle ways when people say things like “oh he or she is not from our tribe” or “oh he- she is not from our race”. It is made very clear in the Qur’an that we are all equal and none is above the other except by what is in the content of one’s heart. I will also add that as a revert to Islam, this man has made a conscious choice to follow Islam and dedicated his life to Allah. He was not born into Islam but made a conscious decision to accept Islam. This says a lot about his good character and intensions.

 

Right to Marry whom you Choose

If this man is a good man, he loves Allah and keeps his deen, I will kindly suggest that the two of you decide to get married regardless. It is true that he must support you, that is the ultimate as a man is the provider for the wife. However, if the two of you have made an agreement and arrangements that you both will be contributing to household expenses, then this is between the both of you. Many young Muslims do marry while in college and struggling financially. They feel it is best to marry, struggle, grow together and prosper together later, rather than commit haram.

 

Proposals from Parents

Regarding the proposals that your parents are putting you through sister, you do not have to say yes to any of those proposals unless you meet one whom you feel you’re compatible with and would like to marry. Do not feel forced to get married.  In Islam there’s no compulsion and a woman cannot be married against her will. Your parents cannot force you to marry one you do not want to marry.

fitness

Conclusion

Insha’Allah sister, seek Allah’s guidance. Make istakhaara prayer as well as duaa regarding the situation. If after prayers you still feel the same, I encourage you dear sister to approach your parents one more time in a loving way. Discuss with them your decision to marry him and ask for their blessings.  If they do not agree, I will kindly suggest that you do marry him anyhow as this is the one you have chosen, and perhaps this is the man Allah has chosen for you.  We wish you the best.