An Aalim who is very wealthy is interested in marrying me.

Answer

Just as Rizq, Maut, etc. are decreed, so too is marriage. If Allah Ta'ala has put marriage in your Taqdeer, you will get married regardless of what happens or does not happen. If marriage is not in your Taqdeer, it will not happen regardless of the efforts of the whole world to get you married.

The criterion is always the Law of Allah Ta'ala - the Shariah. To achieve an objective, never flout the commands of Allah Ta'ala. The chap's insistence on first speaking to you despite being aware that it is haraam, and despite not having even seen you is evidence for the deficiency of his Imaan and disregard for the Shariah. Nowadays, being an ‗aalim' is no longer a recommendation. Most of the molvis of today are scoundrels. Don't look at his wealth and his profession. The dunya is carrion. A poor man of the Deen is infinitely better than a wealthy scoundrel. As far as we are concerned the chap is a scoundrel because of his haraam demands.

If after viewing you, he inclines to marriage, then it will be acceptable if he communicates with you by email for ascertaining issues pertaining to character and marriage. But speaking and wanting haraam pictures is indicative of the future failure of the marriage. The lawful way is for him to view you. Then if he is satisfied, the next step can commence. Our advice is that you should be firm: No pictures and no phone chats of any kind. His requests are indeed reprehensible and haraam. Have no fear about not getting married. That is not in your power. Only Allah Ta'ala will decide the issue, and you should be satisfied with the decree of Allah Ta'ala. This miserable worldly life is short. True happiness and pleasure are only in Jannat. May Allah Ta'ala al-

ways guide and protect you.

nikah be performed?

A. There is no need for your father to travel to Australia. Any responsible Muslim male in Australia should be appointed to represent you at the Nikah ceremony.