I hope you are doing well by the grace of Allah, Alhamdulillah.

I am an 18-year-old university student, entering my second year in September, Insha’Allah. I have come to know someone who is 6–7 years older than me. Alhamdulillah he is financially stable and capable of building a family, and he encourages me to grow closer to my deen. Our personalities align, and we both desire to make our relationship halal.

He is ready for marriage, and his family has no objections. His mother and sister have met me and are supportive. His father also reached out to my father to discuss the matter, but my father dismissed the conversation.

Unfortunately, my mother believes I am too young and is concerned about cultural differences, as he is Pakistani and I am Bengali. She worries about societal perceptions if it becomes known that I chose my partner.

I have known him for five months, and Alhamdulillah, our relationship has brought us closer to Allah. We love each other for His sake. I performed Istikhara and felt at peace with my decision. Sadly, my relationship with my parents has deteriorated. They have threatened to throw me out and are considering moving to the Middle East, believing that I have abandoned my studies. My mother often brings up my past, doubting the personal changes I have made, though only Allah knows how much I have grown.

Some people have advised us to proceed with a secret nikah, but this is our last option. We both want my parents’ blessings and to proceed in a respectful and proper way. He also does not want my parents to think ill of him.

Despite facing many trials, Allah (SWT) has shown us signs that have kept us connected. Alhamdulillah, our relationship has been a source of spiritual growth. We pray five times daily, perform 20 rakats of taraweeh, and even wake for tahajjud—something I struggled with before.

My focus in life has shifted. Though I once loved studying computer science and ran my own phone repair business, I now aspire to become an Islamic teacher or Alimah, dedicating my life to Islam and seeking closeness to Allah.

Despite my struggles, I am committed to avoiding anything haram. However, the pain of being misunderstood and restricted from making a halal choice is overwhelming. I feel my parents are turning away a blessing from Allah while inadvertently making haram options easier.

I seek your sincere advice. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught that if a man is of good character and deen, he should be married, and Allah will bless the union. Alhamdulillah, he is becoming a better Muslim, and we continue to support each other in our faith.

We do not wish to rush into marriage but simply desire to make our relationship halal through nikah, in a respectful and proper manner.

Jazakallah Khair for your time and guidance. Read more

I am not in the U.S. I took an exam last year in which I cheated. Now I have to apply for "college x" in which there is a minimum score which I met because of the cheating. I have the option to take that exam again this year. So I was thinking I could take the exam again and I am sure Inshallah that I will pass but I may not get the scores until after the deadline to register for "college x". After I get the retake scores, I can apply to other colleges but may miss the chance to apply to "college x" and the other colleges are not as good. Would it be halal for me to use the previous score (in which I cheated) to apply for this college. Also, to get into "college x" I have to take another very tough exam and I am sure I will pass this exam InshaAllah without cheating. Read more

I am uncertain whether I should continue the relationship. I have four grown children—two daughters and two sons—who are busy with their lives. I haven’t shared this relationship with them or my extended family.

Growing old alone feels daunting, and having someone by my side brings me comfort. At the same time, I find myself torn between the warmth of this companionship and concerns about societal perceptions, regarding our age difference. I think it will be very difficult for my children to accept this relationship. I’m also unsure if marriage is the right step forward in this situation.

I understand that, from an Islamic perspective, there are no age restrictions for two consenting adults to marry. Yet, I still feel conflicted.

Should I pursue this relationship openly, despite potential disapproval from my children and others? Or should I prioritize their expectations and let go of the relationship?

I hope you can give me some clarity. Read more