15/ May 2006:

Bismihi Subhanahu Wa-ta'ala
Assalamooalaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Respected Sister

Jazakallahu Khayran for contacting us. We will Insha-Allah Ta'ala advise you the best we can.

Firstly, at the outset we would remind you that contact with a ghayr-mahram (stranger with whom marriage is permissible) is not permissible unless absolutely necessary. In this case, you mention how he loves you very much and because of this you could not reject him. Perhaps the close attachment and emotion upsurge that has come about because of this relationship is complicating your Istikharah. According to the Shari'ah you are not obliged to marry him or vice versa.

With reference to physical appearances,undoubtedly, the maxim: "beauty is skin deep" is all too true. After a person gets married, the looks and physical attributes pales and one appreciates the qualities of one's spouse. Still, I guess it depends on how much the physical appearance is bothering you.

Al-hum-Du-Lillah, you have performed Istikharah. As well as Istikharah, you are advised to make Mashwarah with family members especially and then make a decision. Ultimately, you will have to decide whether you want to spend the rest of your life with for this fellow so your mind should be made up decisively. Insha-Allah Ta'ala, Allah will assist you in your endeavours. once you have decided do not look back or delay the Nikah. Their is Khair in Istikharah.

Jazaakumullah and request for Du'aas
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best