I know a young Muslim girl who sought my advice for a problem for which I am not qualified. She's having an unlawful relationship with a non-Muslim person. (I mentioned "non Muslim" just for information, such a relation is Haram with Muslim or non-Muslim.) Anyhow, she is 10 weeks pregnant and does not know what to do. Her boyfriend wants to marry her and is against abortion. What advise would you give?

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

There are many of evils in residing in a non-Muslim country, such as widespread temptations, and disobedience that is easily committed there. That’s why the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "I am exempt from the Muslim who resides in a Kafir (non-Muslim) country."

One has to tell this adulterous woman to fear Allah, and inform her that fornication decreases Iman (faith) and that it is a major sin. Fornication is linked with shirk (associating partners with Allah and killing a soul which Allah forbids to kill.)

Allah says: "And come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a Fâhishah [i.e. anything that transgresses its limits (a great sin)], and an evil way (that leads one to Hell unless Allâh forgives him). (Al-Isra 17:32)

Allah also says: " And those who invoke not any other ilâh (god) along with Allâh, nor kill such life as Allâh has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse and whoever does this shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace; Except those who repent and believe (in Islâmic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, for those, Allâh will change their sins into good deeds, and Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Al-Furqan 25:68-70)

Therefore, this woman has to repent to Allah and cut off her relations with her lover. She should also regret her transgression of the limits of Allah, seek forgiveness as much as possible, and perform good deeds.

Allah says: "And perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night [i.e. the five compulsory Salât (prayers)]. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful (those who accept advice).' (Hud 11:114)

As regards getting married with this non-Muslim who committed fornication with her, it is forbidden according to the consensus of the scholars.

Muslim scholars consider Islam the most important pre-condition for the suitability in marriage.

And Allah says: "And never will Allah grant to the disbelievers a way (to triumph) over the believers. (An-Nisa 4:141), Allah also says: "And do not marry Al-Mushrikât (idolatresses, etc.) till they believe (worship Allâh Alone). And indeed a slave woman who believes is better than a (free) Mushrikah (idolatress, etc.), even though she pleases you. And give not (your daughters) in marriage to Al-Mushrikûn till they believe (in Allâh Alone) and verily, a believing slave is better than a (free) Mushrik (idolater, etc.), even though he pleases you." (Al-Baqarah 2:221)

Allah further says: "They (Believing women) are not lawful (wives) for the disbelievers nor are the disbelievers lawful (husbands) for them." (Al-Mumtahinah 60:10)

As regards abortion, she should not resort to it under any circumstances, as it is yet a more obnoxious crime since it results in killing a soul which Allah forbids to kill without any legal right.

Abortion is damaging the progeny, and it is a mischief on the land, and Allah does not like mischief.

Concealing the sin of Zina (adultery/fornication) by resorting to abortion is committing an act worse than the first one, so do not resort to abortion. But she should resort to Allah and return to Him by a sincere repentance staying away from what causes the Anger of Allah and His severe punishment.

Allah knows best.