SIALKOT: A 36-year-old American woman has married a Pakistani man in Sialkot after a friendship that began on social media developed into a long-distance relationship, according to local sources.
The woman, identified as Morris Ashley, travelled to Pakistan and formally embraced Islam before marrying 21-year-old Kaif-ul-Wara in a ceremony held in the city.
According to details shared by local officials and religious representatives, the two first connected through social media. Their friendship later developed into a relationship, leading Ashley to visit Pakistan.
Before the marriage ceremony, the American woman accepted Islam at a local mosque. Religious scholar Mufti Nauman Rashid supervised the conversion process and gave her the Islamic name “Khadija.”
Marriage conducted in English
Following the conversion, the couple’s marriage ceremony was conducted in English.
Mufti Nauman Rashid officiated the nikah and set the dower (haq mehr) at $2,000, according to local reports.
Conversion made voluntarily, says bride
The newly converted Khadija stated that she accepted Islam of her own free will and without any pressure.
The marriage has attracted attention on social media, where users have reacted to the cross-border relationship and the couple’s decision to begin their married life in Pakistan.
No further details regarding the couple’s future residence plans were immediately available.
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