My paternal uncle raped me five years ago, which of course was against my will. I have now grown mature enough to marry. What should I do? I once frankly told a suitor about what had happened to me in order not to deceive him but he decided to part from me. I therefore fear potential rejection. I once visited a female physician who offered me a solution. Is this solution lawful or not? I only intended to resort to that solution after informing my suitor of everything. What is the Sharee'ah ruling in this regard?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alyhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

You should not have told your suitor about what had been destined for you. Concealing that would be neither deception nor trickery so long as he did not stipulate virginity as a condition for marriage; however, if he has conditioned it, you have to tell him that you are not a virgin, but you are not required to tell him why. There are many reasons that may lead to defloration, such as severe jumping, riding over a sharp object, frequent menstruation, and so on.

Now, you have to ask Allaah The Almighty to make marriage easy for you and provide you with relief.

If the physician offered you hymenorrhaphy, you have to keep away from this, since it is real deception and trickery, let alone, that you will have to uncover your ‘Awrah (areas that must be covered) unnecessarily.

Allaah Knows best.