A Question About Marriage Assalam-u-alaikum. I would like to know whether a Muslim Sunni Hanfi girl can marry a Muslim Mahdavi boy. What if they have been in love with each other for the past 5yrs. As she did not know of differences between the two sects and they had a feeling that they will marry soon. I realise that having such a relation is not permissible in Islam and what if they repent for their wrong deeds. Please exercise maximum leniency you can afford while answering this question as it do great deal of help for the two. Please give maximum options possible. Please do not disclose my identity and I shall be anxiously waiting for your reply. May Allah Bless You. Thank you Reply Marriage between two Muslims cannot be disallowed. Marriage between two individuals can only be hindered if anyone of them belongs to a sect that has officially been declared non-Muslims by the Muslim ummah (the whole Muslim community). Therefore, although the Shari`ah does not, in my opinion, hinder you from marrying the person of your choice, I would still advise you that you should very carefully think about the possible consequences of your marriage. You must find out whether Mahdavis are considered Muslims in your community of residence. You must also consider if there is any propaganda or hatred against the Mahdavis in your place of residence. You must very carefully consider these aspects, because marriage is a life long commitment. Such long term decisions should not be taken hastily. Your decision may bring you, your husband and your family in the fore front of a consequent attack of the sectoral ulema (scholars) of your community. They may even drag you to courts of law. Moreover, you must also consider the differences, if any, in various religious and social practices between the two sects. After all, all that can be said is that the Shari`ah does not prohibit such a marriage, but then, obviously all those things which are not prohibited are not desirable under all circumstances. You write: I realise that having such a relation is not permissible in Islam and what if they repent for their wrong deeds. If you think that in the past you have done something wrong which was clearly prohibited by the Shari`ah, you should very sincerely ask for forgiveness from Allah. Always remember that forgiveness asked with a sincere heart and a firm commitment of correction is, inshallah, never turned down by Allah. I hope this helps. Regards The Learner