What is the ruling of Islamic law regarding a father's refusal to marry his daughter to a committed young Egyptian man on the grounds of differing nationalities and "people's talk," and is it permissible for the girl to marry without her father's consent in this case, and what is the appropriate age for that?

A father does not have the right to prevent his daughter from marrying a suitable man whose religiosity and character she is pleased with. If the father refuses to marry her off due to 'adhl (unjust prevention) or for an illegitimate reason, the girl has the right to refer her matter to the judge to marry her off or to order another guardian to do so, based on the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "If there comes to you one whose religiosity and character you are pleased with, then marry him. If you do not do so, there will be tribulation on earth and great corruption." It is advisable to try and convince the father of the suitor and to seek help from those who have influence over him. The girl must avoid unlawful relationships with the suitor, such as being alone with him (khalwa) or engaging in romantic talk, and so forth, before the legal marriage contract. There is no specific age for marriage in Islamic law, and it is preferable to hasten marriage when a suitable partner is found, in order to protect one's chastity.