No forced marriages in Islam
📖Sunan an-Nasa’i 3269
A girl came to Aisha (رضي الله عنها) and said: “My father married me to his brother’s son to raise his own status, and I was unwilling.” Aisha said: “Sit here until the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) comes.” Then the Prophet ﷺ came, and I told him what she said. He sent for her father and left the matter to her (the girl). She then said: “O Messenger of Allah, I accept what my father did, but I wanted to know whether women have any say in the matter.”
Description
This narration clearly shows that a woman’s consent is essential in marriage. The Prophet ﷺ did not dismiss the complaint of the girl or take the father’s decision as final. Instead, he gave full authority to the girl to decide if she wanted to continue the marriage or cancel it. When she affirmed her acceptance, it was clear that her earlier resistance wasn’t against the person but against the lack of consultation and her rights being ignored.
What We Learn From It Today:
- A woman cannot be forced into marriage. Her permission is required in Islam.
- Fathers or guardians do not own women – they are only entrusted to look after them and ensure their rights.
- Marriage without consent is invalid if the woman is forced.
- The Prophet ﷺ upheld justice and women’s dignity, even against cultural or tribal customs.
- This hadith also exposes how some men use daughters for social gain, but Islam corrects such misuse of authority.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 4:6
Test the orphans until they reach the age of marriage. Then if you perceive in them sound judgment, release their property to them…
This verse is talking about orphans, but it gives a clear age threshold and mental maturity condition (“rushd”) for when they can manage their affairs – including marriage. It implies choice, understanding, and judgment, not just biological age.