Is it permissible for a father to prevent his daughters from marrying because the eldest sister refuses to marry?
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, mentioned three things that should not be delayed: among them is the widow if she finds a suitable match. Delaying the marriage of a girl when she desires it, needs it, and a suitable match is available, is a type of ‘adl (hindrance) that is forbidden by the verse: "So do not hinder them from marrying their [former] husbands." This verse was revealed concerning the incident of Ma‘qil ibn Yasar, who refused to marry off his sister after she was divorced and her ex-husband regretted it, and she desired to return to him.
A guardian’s delay in marrying off his daughter or sister when she needs it opens a door to great corruption, in accordance with the Prophet’s, peace and blessings be upon him, saying: "If someone comes to you whose religion and character you approve, then marry him. If you do not do so, there will be fitnah (tribulation) on earth and widespread corruption."
There is no شرعي (Shar‘i) or logical impediment to marrying off the younger daughter before the older one.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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