Marriage
Do females have the independent right to choose their marriage partners according to Islam? Could she be forced to marry someone against her will?
In well-known tradition documented by Imaam Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: "A previously married woman shall not be married without being consulted and a virgin shall not be married without her consent." This statement clearly establishes the principle of the female's independent right to choose a marriage partner.
It must be remembered that the decision to marry and the selecting of a spouse are perhaps the most serious choices one makes in life, choices that have far-reaching consequences. It is therefore important to consult our parents or guardians, seek their guidance and consider their advice. A guardian can only intervene if there exists a strong Islamic objection, which would be acceptable to a qadi (judge). An example of a valid Islamic objection would be her marriage to an alcoholic or a drug dealer. It must be noted that difference in culture, age, ethnicity or nationality are under no circumstances acceptable objections in Islam.
Neither the guardian nor anyone else can coerce a female to marry against her wishes since
Islam has emphatically disallowed forced marriages. This is clear from an incident in the
life of the Prophet documented by the traditionist Nisaa'ie. The Prophet's wife 'Aishah
reports that a young female came to consult the Prophet saying;" My father has married me
to my cousin to raise his social standing and I was forced into it." The Prophet sent for
the girl's father and then in his presence gave the girl the option of remaining married
or rescinding the marriage. She responded; "O Messenger of Allah, I have accepted what
my father did, but I wanted to serve a lesson to other women (that they could not be forced
into a marriage)."