Can a Brother Arrange Marriage for His Sister Without Father’s Consent?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

If a father insists on marrying his daughter to someone she rejects and refuses any other option, can her brother arrange her marriage without the father’s consent?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

If the father insists on one particular person, a brother can arrange a marriage. However, this has to be done with respect and wisdom, and once again, the father must be requested to search for someone else besides his choice.

Islam grants both men and women the right to choose their spouses, and no one can be forced into marriage. Parents play an important role in recommending and selecting a compatible and suitable match, but the final decision rests with the individual.

It is permissible to meet and speak with a potential spouse within Islamic guidelines to assess compatibility. Communicating this to parents with kindness and respect can help them understand their supportive, rather than authoritative, role in the process.

May Allah (Most High) decree what is best for you. Perform Istikhara for guidance and the prayer of need for this matter, asking Allah to grant what is best (khayr) for you.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction, insha’Allah.

Related

• What Is Compatibility in Marriage and Its Modern Relevance?
• How Do I Deal With Parents Forcing Me To Marry a Man That I Do Not Like?

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance? You can choose from the Islamic Studies Curriculum or the Youth Islamic Studies Curriculum and progress through each course step by step.

I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.