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What is the ruling on a virgin woman over thirty years of age marrying someone she loves without the knowledge of her guardian, due to her father's repeated refusal of this young man and other suitors whose social or educational status he does not approve of? And is there a way to rectify this situation?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The preponderant view is that compatibility in marriage is determined solely by character and religiosity. If a compatible suitor proposes and the woman accepts, her guardian has no right to prevent her; if he does so, he commits a sin and forfeits his guardianship. You should have informed your father of the harm [this was causing you]. If he insisted on refusing, you could have brought the matter before a judge to compel him to marry you off. Your marriage to yourself is invalid according to the preponderant view, and it must either be annulled or your husband must divorce you. Then, you should ask your father to marry you to him. If he refuses, then ask another guardian. If they all refuse, then bring the matter before a judge.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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