Love Before Marriage in Islam: Permissible or Forbidden? Mufti Clarifies Sharia Limits

• Royal Chief Mufti of Uttar Pradesh, Maulana Chaudhary Hussain, clarifies that Islam does not forbid love itself, but actions violating Sharia limits.
• Developing affection for someone with the intention of marriage (Nikah) within Sharia's bounds is permissible.
• Love becomes forbidden (haram) if it leads to impermissible acts, romantic conversations, inappropriate chatting, or violations of Sharia limits.
• Mere inclination or liking is not a sin; sin arises when attachment leads to actions forbidden by Allah and Sharia.
• Meetings between an unmarried boy and girl are only permissible in the presence of family guardians for marriage discussions; free meetings are forbidden.

Why It Matters: Islam permits love before marriage if it's intended for Nikah and strictly adheres to Sharia's boundaries.