Is it permissible for a woman whose engagement was broken off after the discovery of a past sin of fornication, and whose former beloved married, to marry him lawfully with his consent and the consent of his wife, despite her family's refusal to complete this marriage? And is she considered a "thayyib" (previously married woman) and thus permitted to marry herself off, or not? And what is the ruling of Islamic law regarding parents forcing their daughter to marry someone she does not desire, and the ruling on their refusal of someone she desires without a valid reason?
1. Emotional relationships between young men and women before marriage are a door to temptation and evil.
2. It is not permissible for a woman to marry the man who committed fornication with her, except after she has purified herself (from pregnancy) and repented.
3. The relationship with the young man with whom an illicit relationship occurred must be severed, and it is not permissible to communicate with him under the pretext of psychological support.
4. The consent of the guardian (wali) is a condition for the marriage of both a previously married woman (thayyib) and a virgin (bikr) according to the majority of jurists.
5. Guardians are not permitted to compel a mature woman to marry against her will.
6. If a woman wishes to marry a suitable (kuf’) man, the guardian has no right to prevent her. If he prevents her, he is considered an oppressor (adil), and the guardianship transfers to the next closest relative or to the judge.
7. If the woman chooses a suitable man and the guardian chooses someone else, the woman's choice takes precedence.
8. It is advisable to accept a suitor if the family approves of him and you are pleased with his religious commitment and character, while turning a new leaf on the past and seeking Allah's help.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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