A non-Muslim girl had a relationship with a Muslim young man and embraced Islam because she loved him, so that he would marry her. She uttered the two testimonies of faith, so is her Islam acceptable?

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.

A non-Muslim who wants to become a Muslim must utter the testimonies of faith, believing perfectly in them and acting upon their requirements. This is because Eemaan (faith) consists of sayings, practice and belief, according to the ideology of Ahlus-Sunnah Wal-Jamaa‘ah, whether their earlier or contemporary generations.

If this sister uttered the two testimonies of faith and, having been taught and guided, then acted on them, including performing the prescribed daily prayers and fulfilling other religious obligations, then she is a Muslim who is entitled to Muslims' rights and directed to fulfill their obligations. No one has the right to judge what is in peoples’ hearts and their intentions, which is only reckoned by Allaah The Almighty. Man may have concern for others' external acts only.

The brother who had an unlawful relationship with that girl should know that he has committed a wrongdoing from which he must repent. That is: stop the act, experience remorse and resolve not to do it again.

He should introduce this girl to Islamic centers or commission one of his female relatives to educate her. Once she repents and reforms and proves to be a good Muslim, by fulfilling her obligations and abstaining from major sins, then it is permissible to propose to her. If she is one of the People of the Book (a Jew or a Christian), then marrying her is originally considered permissible, provided that she was chaste, although it is better to marry a Muslim.

Allaah Knows best.