What is the ruling regarding a brother refusing to marry off his sister to a man whom the sister and her mother approve of due to his religiosity and character, merely because he does not hold Kuwaiti nationality?
It is recommended to supplicate frequently, perform Istikhara (prayer for guidance), consult with people of sound judgment, and try to persuade the brother who is refusing the marriage through the mother or the second brother. If the eldest brother insists on his refusal, then the second brother may marry off his sister, because for two guardians of equal rank, either of them may marry off his ward without the permission of the other. This is supported by the Hadith: "Any woman married by two guardians, then she belongs to the first of them." If the second brother also refuses, recourse can be made to the Sharia courts. The woman must observe hijab from the man until the marriage is concluded. The brothers should be reminded of the Hadith: "If someone whose religiosity and character you approve comes to you, then marry [your daughter or ward] to him; if you do not do so, there will be fitna on earth and widespread corruption," and of Allah's command to marry off the single women (Ayamah).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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