Is it permissible to marry a woman older than me, despite my family's disapproval and the risk of their disobedience, and is the age difference between spouses disliked in religion or does it affect the marital relationship?

If the girl is religious, try to convince your parents, reminding them of the hadith: "So win the religious woman, and may your hands be soiled with dust (i.e., may you prosper)."

If they do not agree due to the age difference, do not disobey them, as their displeasure may affect your marriage. Allah may compensate you with something better if you abandon the marriage in obedience to them.

The age difference is a relative matter, and a man marrying an older woman is not disliked. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, married Khadijah, may Allah be pleased with her, and she was older than him. However, some parents reject this for fear of negative consequences, such as the early appearance of signs of old age on the wife or her imposing dominance.

We advise seeking counsel, performing Istikhara (prayer for guidance), understanding the parents' situation, and looking at the matter with a comprehensive view.