I confirm.
It's usual in countries directed by Muslim governments.
Peoples can't have sex without getting married, it's in the laws : no problem, they invented the "gulp'n'go wedding".
Usually its a question of legality, as in those countries you can't go in an hotel with someone who's not your husband/wife/family, same if your where caught somehere else.
In strict countries, punishment can be death for the woman and harsh social stigma for the man (which most part of the time leeds to suicide if the guy doesn't leave the country)...
It's the first time I hear about people doing this in a matter of religion only. In this case it's a bit strange IMHO...
So, back to topic, the guy can be genuine. It's just an unusual query.