Love against all the odds: Lesbian Muslim couple from Iran tie the knot in Stockholm... and the delighted imam is gay too!

Sahar Mosleh and Maryam Iranfar married in Swedish capital Stockholm

Both were forced to flee Iran where gay people are given the death penalty

The couple were married by Imam Ludovic Mohamed Zahed

Imam Zahed who is Algerian but lives in South Africa is also gay



Beaming with pride, their faces wreathed in smiles, this is the moment that Sahar Mosleh and Maryam Iranfar finally tied the knot after nine years together.

But the moment proved bittersweet for the couple, as both come from Iran - a country where homosexuals can pay for falling in love with their lives.

Safe in the Swedish capital Stockholm, however, the pair, who met online, were free to enjoy their big day which took place during the city's Pride week.

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Delighted: Maryam Iranfar (left) and her new wife Sahar Mosleh (right) smile happily during their wedding

Maryam, who is expecting the couple's first child, and Sahar, who suffers from congenital brittle bones, were blessed by Iman Ludovid Mohamed Zahed.

The holy man, who is based in South Africa, is also gay and has become a household name among LGBT activists from Muslim countries.

Speaking after the ceremony, Algerian-born Zahed told of his delight at the couple's happiness and revealed his admiration for their bravery in pursuing a new life abroad.



' I am very grateful for this beautiful wedding,' he revealed, 'and to be able to give my blessing to this happy couple.'

Delighted: The thrilled newlyweds (left) and Iman Ludovic Mohamed Zahed who conducted the ceremony (right)



Sealed with a kiss: The couple pucker up after completing the ceremony conducted by Imam Zahed

In Iran, the pair would have faced a penalty of 50 lashes for the first time they were caught together, a punishment that would have been repeated on a further two occasions.

Had they been caught together a fourth time, the death penalty would be applied.

'I'm glad that this is a happy couple who can now form family after many years of struggle,' added a thrilled Imam Zahed.

'It's a long journey to leave your homeland, come to a foreign country and manage to form a new life together.'

Big moment: The couple share a joke with Imam Zahed ahead of the ceremony (pictured right)



Blessing: Imam Zahed completes the ceremony - much to the delight of the two overjoyed brides