Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Shaykh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله)
Question:
Can a father compel his daughter to marry someone she dislikes?
Answer:
Neither the father nor any other guardian has the right to force a girl under their care into marriage with someone she does not approve of. It is essential to seek the girl’s consent for marriage, as the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) 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."
When asked about the form of her consent, the Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
"Her silence is her consent."
In another narration:
"Her silence indicates her approval."
In a third narration:
"A virgin girl should be asked by her father for her consent, and her silence is her consent."
(Sahih Muslim: Kitab al-Nikah, Bab 9; Sunan al-Darimi: Kitab al-Nikah, Bab 13; Musnad Ahmad: Vol. 2, p. 234)
If a girl is nine years of age or older, it is obligatory for the father to seek her permission. Similarly, other guardians cannot marry her off without her consent. This ruling is binding upon everyone, and if a marriage takes place without the girl’s approval, it is invalid. This is because mutual consent of both the bride and groom is a necessary condition for a valid marriage.
If a marriage is conducted forcefully—through coercion, physical intimidation, or threats of severe consequences—it is still considered invalid. However, if the girl is below the age of nine, and her father marries her off without her consent, there is no issue according to the sound opinion of Islamic jurisprudence. This is because the Prophet (ﷺ) married Aisha (رضي الله عنها) without seeking her permission, as she was under nine years of age at the time.
If the girl is nine years old or older, no one, including the father, can marry her off without her consent. Even if the father is flexible about the matter, the suitor should refrain from pursuing marriage if the girl disapproves.
It is obligatory upon the father to fear Allah and avoid acting contrary to the girl’s will. If the father claims he has not coerced her, he must still avoid violating the Shariah, as the Prophet (ﷺ) has commanded guardians to seek the girl’s consent.
We also advise the girl to fear Allah. If her father intends to marry her to a person with commendable religious commitment and good character, she should agree to the marriage. This applies not only to the father but also to any guardian intending to arrange her marriage. Marriage brings immense blessings and benefits, while living a solitary life carries many risks and dangers.
We advise young women to accept suitable proposals and not use studies or career aspirations as an excuse to delay marriage.
May Allah grant success and guidance.
Question:
Can a father compel his daughter to marry someone she dislikes?
Answer:
Neither the father nor any other guardian has the right to force a girl under their care into marriage with someone she does not approve of. It is essential to seek the girl’s consent for marriage, as the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) 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."
When asked about the form of her consent, the Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
"Her silence is her consent."
In another narration:
"Her silence indicates her approval."
In a third narration:
"A virgin girl should be asked by her father for her consent, and her silence is her consent."
(Sahih Muslim: Kitab al-Nikah, Bab 9; Sunan al-Darimi: Kitab al-Nikah, Bab 13; Musnad Ahmad: Vol. 2, p. 234)
If a girl is nine years of age or older, it is obligatory for the father to seek her permission. Similarly, other guardians cannot marry her off without her consent. This ruling is binding upon everyone, and if a marriage takes place without the girl’s approval, it is invalid. This is because mutual consent of both the bride and groom is a necessary condition for a valid marriage.
If a marriage is conducted forcefully—through coercion, physical intimidation, or threats of severe consequences—it is still considered invalid. However, if the girl is below the age of nine, and her father marries her off without her consent, there is no issue according to the sound opinion of Islamic jurisprudence. This is because the Prophet (ﷺ) married Aisha (رضي الله عنها) without seeking her permission, as she was under nine years of age at the time.
If the girl is nine years old or older, no one, including the father, can marry her off without her consent. Even if the father is flexible about the matter, the suitor should refrain from pursuing marriage if the girl disapproves.
It is obligatory upon the father to fear Allah and avoid acting contrary to the girl’s will. If the father claims he has not coerced her, he must still avoid violating the Shariah, as the Prophet (ﷺ) has commanded guardians to seek the girl’s consent.
We also advise the girl to fear Allah. If her father intends to marry her to a person with commendable religious commitment and good character, she should agree to the marriage. This applies not only to the father but also to any guardian intending to arrange her marriage. Marriage brings immense blessings and benefits, while living a solitary life carries many risks and dangers.
We advise young women to accept suitable proposals and not use studies or career aspirations as an excuse to delay marriage.
May Allah grant success and guidance.