What is the Sharia ruling on the marriage of our 25-year-old daughter, who is studying medicine, to a 51-year-old German Muslim businessman, who is divorced with two children, given concerns about the authenticity of his Islam, his morals, and his intentions, as well as the disparity in age and social environment, and the future of our daughter as a doctor in her home country?

We thank the girl for informing her family, but we denounce her correspondence with a foreign man. After careful consideration, it is strongly advised not to accept this man as a husband, and there are sufficient reasons for this. The pillar of guardianship (wali) in marriage is a wisdom that prevents a girl from following her whims. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, advised guardians to marry off those whose religion and character you approve of. The true nature of this man cannot be known, and even if he were a sincere Muslim, her residence in the lands of disbelief, her studies, and her work there raise concerns for her religion and character. Therefore, this marriage is rejected, and the girl is advised to disregard accepting this man, and that her family's opinion takes precedence over hers.