Was Intimate with a Christian Woman, Repented and Wants to Marry Her
12-3-2023 | IslamWeb
Question:
Aslamu Aleykum,I have a question. I had a Christian friend. I was intimate with her a while ago. She has never been intimate with anyone else before me. I have repented to Allah Almighty and have not touched her for several months. I still want to marry her Islamically, because I just can't cut her out of my life completely. Is this marriage valid then? If no, what are the specific conditions for this marriage to be valid?Barakallahu Fik
Answer:
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.
You have done well by repenting to Allah Almighty, and you must cut off this relationship completely and not communicate with her because she is a non-Mahram to you. Islam forbids such romantic relationships because they are a means of corruption and the spread of immorality. Allah Says (what means): {…desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers.} [Quran 5:05]
Know that marriage to a woman from the People of the Book, especially in non-Muslim countries, involves dangers, especially for the children who come from this marriage.
Moreover, there are many pious Muslim women by whom you can do without the non-Muslim ones, so look for a Muslim woman to marry; this is better for you in your religion and your Hereafter.
Nevertheless, if you insist marrying this woman from the People of the Book, it is permissible subject to conditions including that she be chaste. Allah Says (what means): {…chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you…} [Quran 5:5]
If she committed fornication and was known to leave that and has good conduct, it is permissible to marry her.
Among the conditions (for the marriage) is her guardian's permission from the people of her religion and that two trustworthy witnesses bear witness to the marriage contract.
Allah knows best.