Bride’s past in a marriage
Question
Assalamu Alaikum
A friend of mine had a lesiban relationship with a girl a few years ago. They were both misguided and in a lot of haram back then. But eventually, after a year or two, they realized their mistake and repented sincerely Alhamdulillah. They have helped each other through their joruney of Deen. They now pray five times Allahumma Barik and one of them started wearing the hijab. They are now close like sisters and support each other through everything. Nothing immoral like their past actions crosses their mind. In fact, they detest their past and are disgusted by it. Now one of them is getting marriage proposals. In this situation, would it be necessary for them to cut each other of thinking their friendship may upset her future husband? Or can they keep being friends in this halal way?
Answer
Wa ‘alaykum as-salām wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,
Alḥamdulillah, it is heartening to note that your friends have sincerely repented and are now dedicated to their Dīn. Their journey towards rectitude and devotion is commendable, and it is clear that they have left their past actions behind and are now focused on maintaining a Ḥalāl and supportive relationship.
If their current relationship is purely supportive and sisterly, without any inclination towards their past actions, then it falls within the bounds of what is permissible. Mutual support and encouragement in faith are praiseworthy.
With that, it is important to maintain clear boundaries to ensure that the friendship remains purely supportive and does not inadvertently cause issues within either of their marriages.
It is not inherently necessary for them to cut off their friendship as long as it remains within the bounds of what is Ḥalāl and does not lead to any sinful behavior.
And Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows best.