Does a father incur sin by refusing to marry his daughter to a recent Muslim convert, who is non-Arab and has a son, due to differences in cultures and customs, and his fear for her of living in a foreign land?

If a woman wishes to marry a man who is her equal (kufu’), her guardian has no right to prevent her. If he prevents her, he is considered a 'adil (one who unjustly withholds consent), and she has the right to refer her case to a judge. Scholars differed on the criterion of kafa’ah (suitability/equality). Some, like the Malikis, considered religion alone as the criterion. Others, like the Hanafis, Shafi’is, and Hanbalis, also considered lineage. If the guardian prevents his daughter from marrying a man who is not her equal in lineage, he is not considered a 'adil by the Malikis if the prevention is based on a valid reason. Consequently, a father preventing his daughter from marrying a man for reasons related to kafa’ah in lineage does not fall under the prohibited 'adl, nor does he incur sin. The father should explain to his daughter his concern for her well-being and the importance of compatibility in other matters, such as kafa’ah in lineage, for the sake of harmonious temperaments and a stable life.