I lately have been reading about Islam and believe it to be the path for me. I am currently engaged to a Muslim man and need to know if our marriage will be valid as long as I become Muslim first. Also my past is not a clean one. I have done many sinful things and was wondering how that would affect our marriage bond. I do regret these things and will not repeat them now. We currently have relations which our impure and I don't know if we can hold off now until we are married. I know it is wrong but think it would be hard for us to stop, we live together and behave as if we are married already. There are still many things I don't know about Islam and so I am trying to find out before I take that final step. Any guidance you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

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 is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

We encourage you to embrace Islam as soon as possible since Islam is the only true religion.

Allaah is most Merciful and most Compassionate. It is from the Blessings of Allaah upon His slaves that He forgives all their past sins as soon as they become Muslims.  Hence, they become pure and clean as if they were just born. For more details please read Fataawa: 86969 and 88051.

After embracing Islam you may marry any Muslim man but it is strongly advisable to marry a religious man who respects you and supports you to remain steadfast on this religion.

As you know Islam does not allow any intimate relationship between opposite sexes except within the boundary of marriage. So, you have to refrain immediately from your illegitimate relations.

We advise you to read about Islam or to visit any Islamic centre in your area and do not hesitate to embrace Islam to get the peace and success in this life and Hereafter as well.

Allaah knows best.