engagement with a non muslim.

ASALAM-U-ALAIKUM. Actually I am asking this question on behalf of my friend (muslim) who was in love with a non muslim girl(hindu) and due to some unavoidable circumstances he had to do the engagement with her which he did according to hindu tradition..he performed puja and other rituals..now he is afraid if he has comitted any shirk, although he prays 5 times a week..And now he has convinced the girl to convert to Islam..so please enlighten me on this issue...

Dear Brother / Sister,

If the engagement ceremony is contrary to Islam, he is regarded to have committed a sin but he is not regarded to be a polytheist (mushrik) because he has belief in his heart. He should repent. Besides, if his fiancée is not a Muslim or someone from the People of the Book (a Christian or Jew), it is not permissible for him to marry her. Their marriage is regarded invalid, and their intercourse is regarded as fornication.

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