The sin of having pre-marital relationship is very severe and detrimental to ones faith. Rasoolullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam is reported to have said, " The fornicator does not fornicate in the state of Imaan". This means that Imaan and fornication are total opposites, contrary to one another. How can one have Imaan and then be a fornicator at the same time. Whilst he is fornicating, Imaan leaves his body.

However, If a person falls into such an act then the only way to gain Allahs forgiveness is to repent whole heartedly with regret, with the intention of never returning to that sin. Therafter, one must hope that Allah forgives for such a sin.

In regards to your question, this act of fornication will have no bearing on the legitimacy of you marrying the man with whom you fornicated. You may marry him. The other aspect of your question, ' Is he in sin if he marries agains his parents wishes?' The reason for his parents objecting is not acceptable in the Shari'ah. A gap of four years is not much. An adult has the choice of choosing his or her own marriage partner within the boundaries of Shari'ah. That means they can't do something against the laws of Shari'ah in trying to search for their match. However, the parents consent will be preferable in this matter although not necessary. The man should try to convince his parents in a polite manner and if they do not understand he should try to get the Imaam, elders of the community or their friends involved to try and convince them. This should solve the issue.

As a conclusion, 'It is Haraam to have intimate and non intimate relations with any man before marrying him. Even if your going to marry a man, it doesn't mean you can have intimate relations with him before marriage.'

Allah knows best.

Answer Approved by Shaikhul Hadeeth Mufti Umar Farooq Sahib