I am a white woman in a relationship with a Muslim. It is very difficult for both of us and his family refuses to meet me. Can you tell me why this is and is there anything I can do that will help the situation? Many thanks in advance for your help. I know I want to spend the rest of my life with this man as he is wonderful and treats me so well. He truly is a credit to his religion and his family.

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.

It is not permissible in Islam for a man to establish an affectionate relationship with a marriageable woman, whether she is a Muslim or a non-Muslim. One of the most important objectives of the Islamic religion is to protect the whole society and preserve people's chastity. The basis of the refusal of the family of this man to meet you could be because Islam forbids such a relationship. This could also be due to other reasons that we have no knowledge of.

One of the most important qualities that Islam advocates is dealing with people in a good manner and having a good moral character, and this is what you have mentioned about this man. It is confirmed that Prophet Muhammad , said: "Fear Allaah wherever you are, and perform a good act after having any bad one you committed as (the former) will erase it (the latter), and behave in a good manner with people." [At-Tirmithi]

We hope that this will be a motive for you to embrace Islam, and after embracing Islam we hope that Allaah will make it easy for you to get married to this man or else bless you with a husband better than him.

Allaah knows best.