Is it permissible for a Muslim woman to marry a Muslim man without the consent of her family? And what is the difference between a man choosing his wife and a Muslim woman choosing her husband, if the answer is no?

It is not permissible for a Muslim woman to marry without the consent of her guardian (wali), based on the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) sayings: "There is no marriage except with a guardian and two just witnesses," and "Any woman who marries without the permission of her guardian, her marriage is invalid." The person most entitled to give a woman in marriage is her father, then the closest male relatives from her agnatic kin.

The consent of both the guardian and the woman is necessary for the marriage contract. A virgin (bikr) is consulted, and her silence is considered consent, while a non-virgin (thayyib) expresses her opinion explicitly. Neither may be forced into marriage if they refuse. The Lawgiver stipulated the guardian's permission for the woman's benefit and to safeguard her interests. Islam guarantees the woman the freedom to choose a compatible spouse.