Wanting to get married but there are legal issues.
Assalamualaikum. I’ve been wanting to ask this question to someone and i searched for the exact answer and solution to my problem but couldn’t really find any relatable solution on the net. I am a teenager who is in love with a girl. I am about 16 years old. As you’ve guessed it, marriage isn’t legal for me yet by the laws of my country. The girl also loves me back. But we don’t want to get into a haram relationship as we fear Allah a lot. But we both are kind of pious and and think that we can live a very islamic and happy marriage life when we can get married. Before we reach the legal age, can we text with each other on the net? I know if there are 2 non mahrams, the 3rd one is shaitaan so I can keep her sister as her guardian while we chat too. Please show me some guidance. I don’t want to lose her to be my wife In Sha Allah and also don’t want to disobey Allah. Thanks.
Answer
Wa ʿAlaykumus Salām Wa Raḥmatullāhi Wa Barakātuh
There are two aspects in this regard:
- The Islamīc recognition of a marriage.
- The legal recognition and registration of a marriage.
Islāmically, it would be correct to enter into a Nikāḥ with her, thus making it permissible to live with her and be with her without incurring any sin.
Legally, the marriage might not be recognized by the law of the country; hence, you will be governed differently.
In the enquired scenario, it is not permissible for you to chat with her and to keep a relationship with her, irrespective of whether Shayṭān is the ‘third person’ or her sister.
We advise that you consult other senior members of your family such as your parents and arrange for a Nikāḥ to be contracted. Upon reaching such an age where the state would recognize your marriage, then you may consider legalizing it.