Is marriage, like death, something no one knows of, or do the parents have a say in it, especially if the parents' refusal is due to their lack of knowledge of the suitors and because they are not relatives?

The reasons for the parents' rejection of the suitor must be considered. If the reasons are Islamically valid, such as the suitor's unsuitability, then they are not at fault, and their rejection is correct. However, if the reasons are flimsy and not Islamically valid, then this is an unlawful 'adhl (hindrance to marriage). In this case, the woman may refer her matter to the judge so that he compels her guardian to marry her off, or the judge himself marries her off. Ignorance of the suitor's condition is not an excuse, and it can be dispelled by asking about him. Marriage, like other matters, occurs by Allah's decree, but this does not negate taking the necessary means and striving for it.