Nikaah & Marriage Issues

Muslim woman marrying a non-Muslim man

Q: I am a Muslim woman married to a Christian man. We have four kids together, and for the last six years, I have been living like a Christian. However, my heart was not wholeheartedly there. My heart was always towards being a Muslim and my children too were not happy. I returned to being Muslim now but I don't know what to do. Can you please help me?

Court marriage

Q: My friend married a guy through court marriage. Why? To protect themselves from committing sins. But when they told their parents after about a month, the girls parents lashed out and said that the Nikaah is invalid. So they accepted. Now the father of the girl has placed conditions for the boy that if he accomplishes them, they will gladly have them wedded. But the parents are only doing this to kill time. What must they do? Since the boy is getting angry and wants to bring in the police. Though we all know that is not right.

Consulting one's elders with regards to nikaah

Q: Please could you advise me on the following matter. I am considered Islamically mature and have been for nearly 10 years. I have met a potential spouse who was introduced to my family and wants to make nikkah with me. My family are refusing based on the following reasons:

1. The age difference between him and I is too much (9years)

2. He is too old for me (he is 27 years old)

3. I am too young (19 years)

4. I do not have a degree/career and I am cannot stand on my own two feet yet

5. He resides in a different continent

6. He is from a different cast to me

In terms of his Deen and character, we have heard pleasing feedback from neutral sources. He earns a halaal income and will be able to provide for me. His family are very supportive. They have agreed to send me home twice a year and allow me to continue my studies, illustrating their willingness to accommodate my family's reservations as far as possible. But to no avail unfortunately; my father does not want me to take this step despite my plight. My father and I do not have the same understanding, because he would rather the boy and I "go for coffee" and "go for movies" and remain friends. However I unlike him realize there are 3 things that shouldn't be delayed (salaah, burial and nikkah), and we shouldn't refuse proposals based on unIslamic reasoning. My father unfortunately has not made the wisest decisions in his lifetime which makes me want to do the 'right' thing even more; in a halal manner. I myself have made istikhara and feel very content in my choice of a life partner. I continue to make duaa for guidance from The Almighty. Please advise the way forward considering my father is using abusive language, due to me still being firm in this decision of mine. His reasoning for me is not Shariah compliant, feel free to correct me if I am mistaken.