Forced marriages are wrong

Question

Many women face pressure from their parents to marry someone whom their parents pick for them, even though they do not wish to marry those men. If the daughters refuse, they can face great difficulties from their parents. Sometimes their parents bar them from getting married altogether.

Answer

It is a woman’s right to choose her life partner. It is unlawful for her guardian – regardless of who he is – or for anyone else to deny her this right or to force her into an unwanted marriage. Likewise, it is unlawful for him to prevent her from marrying a suitor of equal status or to prevent her form marriage altogether in order to take her money or to use her for housework, or due to some cultural notion of honor. 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A virgin cannot be married to someone without first seeking her consent.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim] 

This is the correct opinion expressed by the jurists and it is the opinion that accords with the explicit dictates of the sacred texts. 

It is the duty of the political authority to legislate punishments for any violation of these rights and also to revoke the guardianship of such men. 

I call upon women to show courage and strength, and to stand up for their rights. They should not allow anyone to prohibit them altogether from their right to marriage. They should not let anyone force them into an unwanted marriage.

And Allah knows best.

-islamtoday.net