deen2u

deen2u — your one-stop center for Islamic resources: the Holy Quran, Hadith, practices, stories of the Prophets, Q&A, and how to practice Islam.

Q&A · Marriage & Divorce

Can a father force his daughter into a marriage she does not want?

No. The consent of the bride is a condition, and a marriage contracted against her will is defective and can be annulled. The Prophet ﷺ said, "A previously-married woman must not be married until she is consulted, and a virgin must not be married until her permission is sought," and when asked how a virgin gives permission he said, "By her silence." When Khansāʾ bint Khidhām's father married her off against her wishes, she came to the Prophet ﷺ and he annulled the marriage. So the walī proposes and contracts, but he cannot compel; her agreement, whether by word or (for a shy virgin) by silence, is required.

Evidence — the daleel
Sahih al-Bukhari 5136 ṢaḥīḥSahih Muslim 1419 ṢaḥīḥSahih al-Bukhari 5138 Ṣaḥīḥ
On deen2u
Informational, not a personal fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for rulings on your situation.

Ask your own question → All questions