Is it permissible for a divorced Syrian woman, residing alone in Egypt, to marry a competent Egyptian man, given that her family refuses to marry her to an Egyptian simply because he is Egyptian, and that the Hanafi school of thought, which is practiced in Egypt, allows a previously married woman to marry herself with the approval of the guardian?

Scholars have differed regarding the ruling on a woman marrying herself without the permission of her guardian (wali). The preponderant view, in our opinion, is that of the majority, which states that the guardian is a condition for the validity of the marriage; otherwise, the marriage is null and void. There is no difference in this regard whether the woman is a virgin or previously married.

However, if she is a follower of the Hanafi school of thought, or if a scholar whom she trusts has issued a fatwa to her to that effect, then there is no harm in her marrying herself.

As for parental objection to marriage due to differing nationalities, a mere difference in nationality is not a legal impediment according to Sharia. Efforts can be made to persuade them. If persuasion fails, she can refer her case to the competent authorities in personal status matters to review her situation and arrange her marriage if it is proven that her guardian is unjustly preventing her from marrying.

If it is easy for you to marry her, then do so; otherwise, seek a righteous woman other than her.