Q: Assalam Alikum,

I am a Hindu girl who is dating a Muslim man and I would like to know what rules apply to marriage.  In the Islamic culture how accepting are family members of someone that is Hindu?

Also, I would like to know what rules to follow as far as sexuality are concerned during the course of dating.  I am asking these questions now because I have already engaged in certain activities and do not wish to continue out of my desire to respect the man I am dating.  I have read other posts and am concerned that I have already broken the laws of Islam with this man and want to know what I can do to atone for them.

Thank you for the opportunity you provide in letting such personal questions be asked without judgment.

-Nxxxxx (name withheld)

A: I appreciate you wanting to be respectful to this man that you are dating. Sadly, he is not being respectful of his own religion. As the rule of religion states: a Muslim man cannot marry a hindu woman, nor can hindu man marry a Muslim woman. Such a marriage would be invalid in Islam.

Upon your voluntary conversion to Islam, you would both would be allowed to get married. Until that point, I would request both of you to refrain from all adult related activities. Be in the company of a respectable 3rd party, so as to avoid actions that would cause either of you religious shame and/or social regret.

We thank you for your quest in search of the Truth. (additionally, click  here.)

Allah Certainly knows Best.