Should a woman break off the engagement if the suitor is not a practicing Muslim?

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Q: I am a nineteen-year-old girl. About two years ago, (Part No. 18; Page No. 68) a twenty-nine-year-old man proposed to me. I was at the beginning of observing the Shar`y (Islamically lawful) clothing and wearing the Khimar (veil covering to the waist). I agreed to the engagement, but I then found out while talking with him that he is not a Multazim (practicing Muslim). I supplicated to Allah (Exalted be He) to guide him, but he has remained unobservant of the obligations ordained by Allah (Exalted be He). I think that it would be Haram (prohibited) to marry him. I have informed all my family members that I want to break the engagement, but they are objecting to this because of what the people would say, especially that the engagement has lasted for two years. My question is: If I am forced to marry him just to please my parents, would it be a lawful marriage? What should my family and I do in such a situation?

A: If the suitor's Din (religion) and manners are satisfactory, that is, he holds fast to the Din and duties of Islam, you should not break the engagement. If not, it is not permissible to continue, and you should break the engagement. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.