Do I have to tell future potential spouses of my past?
AOA,
I am not 25. I got married which quickly dissolved after 6 months of marriage. The reason was that straight after the nikkah, I realized the girl wasn’t happy and always told me her parents were the reason she was here. She never chose to be with me or if she did it was through immense pressure. Thus, nothing that was the norm between couples ever existed. There was barely any physical, emotional, or verbal love/affection. This all started from the 1st/2nd day of marriage.
the issue arises because to get married again I do not want to discuss this past with anyone. Because many people will not marry me simply because of this. There were no consequences from the previous marriage (ie no kids or alimony). Is it ok if I hide this past as things like these prevent someone from finding a spouse in the future. I am very kind and caring person who values his deen.
Answer
Wa’alaykum as Salām wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,
If no one asks about this, you do not have to reveal that you were married. (Generally, no one will ask a young person about this).
However, if they ask you if you were married previously, then you will have to speak the truth. You may explain to them in detail what transpired.
May Allāh bless you with a righteous spouse.