Is it permissible for a Muslim man to marry a Christian woman who is an adult and has an orphaned child, without the knowledge of her deceased parents? And is her presence required for the marriage contract, or is it valid to appoint a Muslim representative on her behalf?

It is best for a Muslim to marry a Muslim woman. However, if compelled to marry a non-Muslim woman, she must be from the People of the Book. Her marriage is not valid except with the permission of her guardian, according to the majority of scholars. A disbelieving woman is given in marriage by her disbelieving guardian. If no guardian is available, the ruler marries her off, whether he is a disbeliever or a Muslim (depending on her place of residence). If no ruler is available, she appoints a man from her own faith to conduct her marriage. Her presence at the عقد (marriage contract) is not a condition. It is not permissible for a Muslim to conduct her marriage.