Concerned a Small Incident Could Harm a Promising Proposal - What Should I Do?
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah, I’m a 26-year-old brother and my family is looking for a wife through an arranged process. I’m naturally introverted, but Alhamdulillah we recently met a family and the meetings went well. We had about 3–4 sit-downs and both families seemed pleased. The next step was that the girl’s family came to our town. Things were going fine, but during their visit one of my father’s relatives (they aren’t very practicing) invited the girl’s parents for tea. In that relative’s house the girl’s parents spotted some pictures and items that indicate shirk practices - they openly engage in those things. For personal religious reasons I avoid visiting that relative’s home and don’t accept food or drink from there; I even try to stay away from that part of our hometown because of it. Now I’m worried this small incident might change how the girl’s family views us. I’ve spoken a few times with the sister and I’m starting to feel positively about her, but I’m confused and don’t know how this will affect the proposal. Should I bring this up directly with the girl or her parents, or would it be better to let the elders handle it and be patient? I don’t want to cause offense, but I also don’t want misunderstandings to harm something good. Any practical advice or suggestions would be really appreciated. JazakAllahu khairan.