What is the ruling of Islamic law on a girl fleeing her father's abuse, and what should she do concerning her future marriage?
A father is not permitted to force his daughter to marry someone she dislikes, due to the prophetic hadiths that affirm that a woman who has been previously married (ayyem) has more right to herself than her guardian, and that a virgin (bikr) must be asked for her permission. This is also because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, gave a choice to a young woman whose father had married her off against her will. The father does not have the right to compel his daughter, and hitting her is an injustice. There is no blame upon her for fleeing to her grandmother to avoid his oppression. It is advisable to involve people of prestige and knowledge to resolve the issue and explain the religious ruling to the father. If the suitor is a person of good character and religious commitment, it is preferable for her to accept him to please her father. Otherwise, she has the right to take her case to court if her father refuses to marry her to another suitable person or if he prevents her from marrying (adhl).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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