Malala Controversy
The Quran has been very clear in its stance, “and do not go near to zina (fornication and adultery)”. With that restriction, one should be vigilant of all the steps/actions that can potentially lead to that act e.g., being alone in a remote place or within a house etc as it can lead to the blatantly prohibited act of sex outside marriage. With live-in-relationships, one is simply throwing this rule/prohibition away which makes it not allowed. Now, Nikah is also a live-in-relationship however, with the intention of staying together for the rest of the life and raise a family AND an open announcement of this intention. If any of these 2 requirements is missing then this won’t be a Nikah if both are being fulfilled in any way then no matter what you call it should be allowed.
Please share your doubts 🙂