What should a person do if the father objects to his marriage for racist reasons or because the suitor follows the methodology of the Salaf, and there is no Sharia judge in the area? Should he get married or not?
It is not permissible for a man to marry a woman without the permission of her guardian (wali), for "there is no marriage except with a guardian." And whoever marries without the permission of her guardian, her marriage is invalid. If the guardian prevents the woman from marrying without a legitimate شرعي excuse, the guardianship transfers to the next in line. And if all the guardians prevent her, then the ruler (Sultan) is the guardian of one who has no guardian. The guardian is not allowed to prevent the woman from marrying due to his personal whim. If both the guardian and the ruler are absent, the guardianship transfers to the regional governor (wali) or whoever acts on his behalf, then to the Sharia courts, then to a just man who is the leader of his people, or any trustworthy and just man. The guardian is not allowed to reject a suitor because he does not agree with him in methodology or tribe. Rather, he should marry her to a man of religion and good character. It is not permissible for a woman to marry whomever she wishes under the pretext of methodology; a man of religion and good character is sufficient for her.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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