1. I have been attracted to a girl for a very long time and we both agree that we should get married. However, the problem is that although she is Muslim she is West Indian whereas my family is Pakistani. My family will not even consider the possibility of marriage. Should I ignore them and go ahead with the marriage, or pander to their prejudices and look for someone else?
It is not an Islamic problem. There is no racial barrier to marriage in Islam. The point is that the person concerned does not need the consent of his parents. If he is well established and able to look after himself and the girl, he can get married. We are no longer living in a static society, and strict family bonds may no longer be relevant in the new situation. However, the questioner sounds a little hesitant and appears not to have the moral courage to break with the wishes of his family. Love between the couple at the moment may be very strong, but he must also consider that later on his marriage may affect his integration into the Muslim community. After one or two years when the initial attraction has worn off, will he still be able to protect his wife and children in the face of a hostile environment? Once there is love, this is what is important from the Islamic point of view. But it is also a question with wider implications, which should not be overlooked. All eventualities should be discussed and carefully thought out.(35 - Marriage & Divorce (Munakahat) 3)
2. Is it Bid'ah to kiss the Holy Qur'an when opening and closing it?
No, it is not a Bid'ah.
Imam an-Nawawi reported that when Ikrimah (may Allah be pleased with him) used to see the Holy Qur'an, he used to put it on his head and kiss it and show a great deal of respect for it, saying "This is the book of Allah, this is the book of Allah."
From this Imam as-Suyuti said it is good to kiss the Holy Qur'an, also drawing an analogy with the black stone in the Ka'bah. Both are to be seen as a gift from Allah.
Similarly, in the same way that we kiss our children to show affection and love, it is a sign of our devotion and love for Allah to kiss the Holy Qur'an.
(77 - Qur'an 6)
