I have been having a relation with a young man for eight months now, and we vowed that we would not leave each other. We always long for each other and took oaths that we would be spouses. As such, our relation developed to doing sexual practices, but we did not have sexual intercourse. Everything that took place was other than having sexual intercourse. Would Allaah Accept our oaths? Is this relation forbidden or not?

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 ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

There is no doubt that this sinful relation is forbidden because it ends up with committing more forbidden acts. This has already taken place between you and the person you are talking about. Allaah Almighty Forbade staying in seclusion with a non-Mahram woman and looking at her. He also Blocked the way to temptation and committing what is forbidden. Allaah Almighty Says (what means): {Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allaah Is Acquainted with what they do. And say to the believing women that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts...}[Quran 24:30-31]

Anyway both of you should repent of such sins, regret and resolve not to do them again. You must also leave each other and do many acts of obedience so that Allaah Would, hopefully, Accept your repentance, for He Promised to Accept repentance. Allaah Almighty Says (what means): {Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the Mercy of Allaah. Indeed, Allaah Forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He Who Is The Forgiving, The Merciful.”}[Quran 39:53]