What is the ruling on a father refusing to marry his daughter to a religious and well-mannered man due to a difference in geographical region, or because he is divorced, or living abroad? And is it permissible for the girl to take the matter to a judge in this case?

A daughter must obey her father in forsaking marriage to someone her father does not approve of, provided no harm results from this. However, if harm results from it, whether in religious or worldly matters, or if the father repeatedly refuses without a legitimate شرعي reason, she may refer the matter to the judiciary. It is not permissible for a guardian to prevent a woman from marrying someone who proposed to her and was competent. Otherwise, he would be 'adhl (hindering) her, and 'adhl is a sin that nullifies his uprightness and guardianship. In such a case, the guardianship transfers to the next in line among the guardians, or to the ruler.

The guardian is forbidden from 'adhl, as Allah Almighty says: ﴿فَلَا تَعْضُلُوهُنَّ أَنْ يَنْكِحْنَ أَزْوَاجَهُنَّ إِذَا تَرَاضَوْا بَيْنَهُمْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ﴾ [Al-Baqarah: 232].

Once a woman reaches puberty and is proposed to by someone whom she finds religiously, morally, and competently acceptable, and the guardian does not disqualify him based on valid reasons that negate his competence, it is obligatory for the guardian to accept his proposal. If he refuses, his guardianship is forfeited and transfers to the next in line among the agnate relatives (asabah). If they also refuse, the guardianship transfers to the legitimate ruler.