IslamicAnswers.com: Islamic Advice

As'salam O Alakum.

Me and my long time boyfriend are trying really hard to get married, but my parents are in the way.

They are disapproving of him because they once found out that we were dating (this was about 5 years ago). We have been in love for 7 years now. He is egyptian muslim just like me.

Is it haram if I marry him without the approval of my father? My boyfriend is a good man who believes in Allah and is able to take of me in every way.

I asked my father for an explanation to his disapproval and his response was due to the the past with me and my boyfriend. But I'm thinking, shouldn't my dad want us to get married and do it the halal way rather than let me date him behind his back?

We both refuse to leave each other and we want to be halal and do this the right way and be married. His family aprroves of us getting married. How do I handle my situation? There is no valid Islamic reason as to why my father is disapproving. My mother is also disapproving for the same reasons but I believe InshAllah she will give me her blessing, she is just afraid of my father.

Please advise, Thank you very much. Salam.

- Sister Imaan