Is it permissible for a girl's guardian to refuse to marry her to a young man who is lower than her in educational and social status, and whose religious commitment and character are unknown, given the guardian's knowledge that a marriage is not valid except with a guardian and two just witnesses?

It is most appropriate for a girl to agree to marry a suitor of religious commitment and good character, whom her family approves of. If she does not agree, she may not be forced. However, if a girl desires to marry a specific person, and he is of religious commitment and good character, she should not be prevented from marrying him on the pretext of differences in educational or social status, for compatibility is achieved through religious commitment and good character. But if this man is impugned in his religious commitment or character, the guardians may prevent her from marrying him, because compatibility is a right of the guardian. The guardian must inquire about the suitor's situation if his affairs are unclear to him. A girl is not permitted to marry herself without a guardian, and her marriage is null and void if she does so. If the guardian fears that the girl will fall into haram (definition) with this young man, and he is unable to prevent her, then it appears that he must agree to the marriage, even if the suitor is not of equal standing, to avert a greater evil.