What should a young man do whose father refused his engagement to a committed girl—after her family's approval—on the pretext that it is their custom for a student not to marry until he finishes his studies, and not to bring a gift to the fiancée on every Eid?

Studying in mixed-gender universities is not permissible except in cases of extreme necessity. It is advised to convince the father to accept the religious girl by seeking the help of relatives. If the father insists on refusing, then he should apologize to the girl and wait until he finishes his studies. However, if he is in need of marriage and fears falling into sin, then he should get married and not obey his father in delaying marriage. If he is unable to marry and his father refuses to marry him off until he finishes his studies, then he must fast, guard his hearing and sight, occupy himself with what benefits him, be keen on the company of good people, and increase in supplication and holding fast to Allah. He must also be dutiful to his father and treat him kindly, for his right is great.