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Fatwa CenterRuling on Forcing a Daughter to Marry Someone She Does Not Want
Question
I am a 24-year-old woman who has completed my graduation. My parents have long been trying to arrange my marriage. For the past two years, I have been in a relationship, but my family rejected him due to his job. Now they are forcing me to marry someone I do not like, despite my clear refusal. He's working in a bank.If this marriage happens without my consent, will it be valid in Islam? If I cannot fulfill marital rights with my husband, will I be sinful? What should I do?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad (
) is His Slave and Messenger.
The stronger view held by the scholars is that a father does not have the right to force his adult virgin daughter to marry a man she does not want. This is based on what is established in the two authentic collections of Imam Al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim, that the Prophet said: “A previously married woman should not be married until she is consulted, and a virgin should not be married until her permission is sought.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Moreover, forcing her into marriage may lead to problems and instability in marital life.
If she is forced to marry someone she does not want, then the validity of the marriage depends on her approval, and she has the right to refuse it. This is the view we adopt, although there is also a difference of opinion among the scholars regarding this issue.
However, if the man is religious and of good character, then we advise her to accept the marriage, and perhaps by honoring her parents, Allah will place blessing in it for her.
If she is forced and the marriage is carried out, then she must fulfill her husband’s rights even if she dislikes him, as she is commanded to obey her husband in what is right. She would be sinful if she does not fulfill his rights or obey him in what is right.
If she remains determined to refuse marrying him, then she should strive to convince her parents, seek the help of those close to them, and increase in supplication, asking Allah to grant her success in persuading them.
Allah Knows best
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