I'm a 17 year old student from Belgium, and I'm in love with a boy who's 19 years old. We would like to engage, but our parents don't want that, because we're to young and we have to finish our studies first. We don't know what to do, we can't meet each other because it's Haram. But we desperately want to be with each other. Is there another option for us without the permission of our parents?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

If this young man is religious and has a good moral character, then your parents have no right to refuse his proposal to marry you, except if there is a legal excuse, such as not being able to support you. Studies or youth are not legal reasons to delay marriage.

On the other hand, early marriage helps in being steadfast in religious matters, achieving high grades in studies and being successful in life. Therefore, we advise the parents not to refuse this marriage, especially if the boy is religious and has pleasant characteristics.

If your parents insist on refusing this marriage without any legal reason, then you may seek help from an Islamic court to marry you. If a court is not available, then go to the nearest Islamic Center that takes care of the affairs of Muslims.
Know that marriage without the consent of Wali (guardian) is not valid. If your Wali prevents you from marrying, then an Islamic court, or the substitute of an Islamic court such as an Islamic center, will marry you off.

Know that staying alone with this young man, mixing with him, and looking or touching after engagement and before marriage is not allowed since he is still a non-Mahram person for you. Even telephone conversation should be within the limits of necessity since it leads to forbidden matters.

May Allah grant guidance and steadfastness to you and us.

Allah knows best.