Date : 19-03-2015

Question :

Is it permissible for parents to prevent the marriage of their children without a valid reason?


The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad.



Marriage is one of Allah`s favors that He conferred on His slaves to protect their chastity, make them dwell with their mates in tranquility to attain love and mercy, and as a means of strengthening social ties. He says in the Holy Quran: “And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.” {Ar-Rum/21}. He also says: “It is He Who has created man from water: then has He established relationships of lineage and marriage: for thy Lord has power (over all things).” {Al-Forqan/54}.



Therefore, Islam has recommended facilitating the marriage of young men and women by demanding acceptable dowries (bridal money) and encouraging parents to approve of suitable and competent suitors, and it has warned against the psychological and social repercussions of turning them down. This is because the Prophet (PBUH) said {what means}: “ If you are pleased with a suitor`s religion and moral conduct, then approve of his marrying one of your daughters; otherwise, there will be a great temptation and corruption on this earth “ {At=Tirmizi}.



Islam also urges men to marry women who are religious and enjoy good moral conduct. Accordingly, it is imperative on guardians not to prevent the marriage of young men and women if it meets the conditions and rules acknowledged by Sharia in this regard.



We draw the attention of young men and women to the fact that parents` objection to their marriage usually arises from their insightfulness, experience, and care. However, if their objection wasn`t justified, then the children must be polite when discussing them and seek the help of reconcilers if they showed adamancy. Moreover, there is no harm in consulting parents for choosing a pious husband, or a pious wife, so as to make the proper choice that brings goodness and happiness to the family. Allah The Almighty says: “ who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation “ {Ash-shorah/38}. And Allah knows best.