What is the ruling on a relationship that began between a young man and a young woman online, developed into the exchange of personal photos and conversations, with an intention to marry, yet the young man's family rejects this marriage? And what should they do to repent and gain the pleasure of Allah and their parents?

All communication that has occurred between a young man and a young woman, and the resulting abominations, is impermissible in Islamic law, because it is a means to corruption. Allah Almighty says: "O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan." Sincere repentance is obligatory, and this relationship must be severed immediately. For each party to call the other "my husband" or "my wife" does not make them a married couple in Islamic law, for marriage has conditions and pillars. As for marriage, if the young man can convince his family, that is good; otherwise, obedience to the father takes precedence, unless there is an overriding benefit. A father does not have the right to force his son to marry someone he does not desire.