Title: A Question Regarding Inter-Sect Marriage Question: I would like to know whether a Muslim Sunni Hanafi [1] girl can marry a Muslim Mahdavi boy. What if they have been in love with each other for the past 5 years. As she did not know of the differences between the two sects and they had a feeling that they will marry soon. I realize that having such a relation is not permissible in Islam and what if they repent for their wrong deeds. Please exercise maximum leniencies you can afford while answering this question as it will be of 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 Answer: Marriage between two Muslims cannot be disallowed. However, marriage between two individuals can sometimes be questionable if anyone of them belongs to a sect that has officially been declared non-Muslim 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 forefront of a consequent attack of the sectoral ulema [2] 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 realize 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 God's forgiveness. Always remember that forgiveness asked with a sincere heart and a firm commitment of correction is, insha'Allah , never turned down by God. 3 rd January 1999 [1] A person who ascribes to the Abu Hanifa juristic school. [2] The Muslim religious scholars have traditionally been called ' ulema '.