Religiousness is the criteria for suitability in marriage

9-3-2011 | IslamWeb

Question:

I am a religious man and I want to marry a girl who lives in a neighboring village. However, the people of this village only marry their daughters to their cousins. Otherwise, marriage is considered a shame on the part of the girl’s father and brothers. Despite my good intention to marry that girl, one of her brothers threatened me. Strangely, the girl’s family members claim that they are noble people and grandsons of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. What should I do?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

 

Regardless of the tribe, country or lineage, religiousness is the criteria for suitability in marriage. When the woman’s guardian prevents her from marrying a suitable person, she can bring her issue before the Sharee’ah (Islamic law) court. Nevertheless, you are not entitled to this unless she authorizes you to plead on her behalf before the court.

We advise you not to do so in order to avoid problems and dispute. You should seek help from people whom you think are able to persuade the girl’s father and brothers. Otherwise, you can find another girl, for this is may be better.

Allaah Knows best.