Is it permissible for a woman to marry an 'urfi marriage without the knowledge of her family and guardian, but with witnesses, a contract, a dowry, and conditions, for the purpose of preserving her chastity from the forbidden, with the intention of informing her family later?
For a marriage to be valid, the presence of a guardian (wali) is a condition, based on the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) sayings: "There is no marriage except with a guardian," and "Any woman who marries without the permission of her guardian, her marriage is invalid." If a guardian prevents his ward from marrying a suitable man whom she has accepted, he has committed 'adhl (unjust obstruction). In such a case, the guardianship transfers to the next closest male relative (from the 'asaba), and then to the judge. A guardian who rejects a suitable suitor becomes a fasiq (transgressor) and loses his guardianship. If the woman approaches a judge and he becomes aware that her guardians have refused to marry her off, he must marry her. The woman should seek help from those who can advise her parents, and she should refer her case to the judge if the guardian refuses the marriage without a clear reason. She should also be wary of establishing any relationships with men online.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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