How many marriages happen just because "the parents approved," without considering if the woman really agrees? How many women feel forced to accept arranged marriages because they're too scared to defy their family? In cultures where parental approval is seen as the only thing that matters, Islam provides clear and firm guidelines about women's rights in marriage.
Women Have the Right to Choose Their Husbands
Words of the Prophetﷺ
A widow has more authority over herself than her guardian, and for a virgin, her father must ask for her permission.
Book8Ch.9No.3307
Muslim. (2018) Sahih Muslim. Translated by A. Hameed Siddiqui.
When the Prophet Canceled a Forced MarriageNarrated by Khansa' bint Khidam Al-Ansariya: Her father had married her off while she was a widow, but she was unhappy with the marriage. She then came to the Prophet (ﷺ) to complain, and he declared the marriage invalid.
Marriage Must Be with the Woman's ConsentNarrated by Khansa' bint Khidam Al-Ansariya: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "A widow must not be married off unless her opinion is asked, and a virgin must not be married off unless her permission is sought." The companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah, how do we know her permission?" He replied, "Her silence is her permission."
The Prophet taught that if a virgin girl remains silent when asked or informed about a marriage plan, then her silence is considered a sign of consent because she is too shy to verbally express "yes." The silence referred to is silence due to shyness, not silence due to fear or coercion. This silence must also be without any signs of rejection such as crying, anger, or showing disapproval. If the girl shows signs of disagreement either verbally or non-verbally, then that is not consent and the marriage must not proceed. This hadith doesn't mean a girl can be forced to stay quiet. Instead, it respects the fact that young women may be shy, while still making sure her consent is genuine and not forced.
Forced Marriage Is Very Dangerous Forced marriage is one of the factors that increases the likelihood of suicidal thoughts among women. Additionally, forced marriage is a form of social control that undermines women's freedom, causing them to feel trapped and hopeless because they lose the right to determine their own lives.