Assalamu alaikum dear brothers and sisters ✨,
In today’s world, love before marriage has become a common topic. Many young Muslims wonder: is it haram to love someone before nikah? Is it wrong to have feelings for someone?
The truth is, Islam does not condemn natural feelings. Love itself is not haram. What matters is how we act on those feelings, and whether we keep them within the boundaries Allah ﷻ has set for us.
Let’s explore what the Sunnah and Qur’an teach us about love before marriage.
1. Love Is Not Haram — But It Must Lead to Marriage
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“There is nothing like marriage, for two who love one another.”
[Sunan Ibn Majah, 1847]
This hadith shows us that love is not forbidden — but it should lead to marriage, not to sin. If you develop feelings for someone, the halal path is to turn that love into commitment through nikah.
2. When Love Becomes Haram
Love itself is not wrong, but certain actions are. Love becomes haram when it crosses into sin, such as:
- Secret relationships hidden from family.
- Physical intimacy before nikah.
- Emotional attachments that pull you away from deen.
Shaytan takes advantage of hidden relationships, turning what could have been pure into temptation and regret.
3. How to Keep Love Halal
If you have feelings for someone, Islam provides guidance to protect your heart and honour:
- Involve families early — this shows seriousness and prevents secrecy.
- Keep interactions respectful and purposeful — avoid unnecessary chatting or flirtation.
- Set clear intentions for marriage — don’t let years pass in uncertainty.
- Trust in Allah’s plan and timing — He knows when and with whom your nikah will be written.
Love with the right intentions becomes a source of barakah, not a test.
4. Love That Leads to Nikah Is Blessed
True love in Islam is not about endless chatting or stolen moments. It is about faith, trust, and commitment. When feelings lead to nikah, that love becomes a blessing.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best marriage is the one that is easiest.”
[Sunan Ibn Majah, 1847]
This means keeping the process simple, pure, and free from unnecessary delays or cultural barriers.
Final Thought
Love before marriage is not haram — but it is a trust. The way you handle it determines whether it becomes a path to reward or regret.
If you have feelings for someone, take the halal route: involve families, set the intention for marriage, and put your trust in Allah ﷻ.
May Allah ﷻ bless our hearts with pure love, guide us to marriages that are filled with mercy, and protect us from paths that lead to sin. Ameen.