What is the ruling on a man secretly marrying a foreign woman whom his family rejects, and he has not found a conclusive answer in the Istikhara prayer, and his family has become aware of this?

There is a need to elaborate on this foreign woman to know the ruling on marrying her. If she is a disbeliever who is not from the People of the Book, it is impermissible to marry her, and separation from her must occur immediately. If she is from the People of the Book (Jewish or Christian), it is permissible to marry her if she is chaste and there is no fear that she will affect the husband's religion. If she is a Muslim from another country, it is permissible to marry her.

It is recommended to be dutiful to the father, as Al-Nawawi and Ibn Al-Salah mentioned the obligation to obey the father if he forbids marriage to a specific woman. However, if he has already married her, some scholars believe that obedience is not obligatory if he requests her divorce, citing the Hadith of Abu Darda, "The father is the middle gate of Paradise."

As for secret marriage, there is no objection to it according to the majority of scholars if the guardian is present and two just witnesses are present, although it is recommended to announce the marriage. However, if the marriage took place without a guardian or witnesses, the Shariah ruling must be reviewed.

As for Istikhara (seeking guidance), the Sunnah is to perform it, then resolve to do what one feels comfortable with, and rely on Allah. It is not necessary to see anything in a dream.