Islam and the Prohibition of Forced Marriages, By Murtadha Gusau
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the most Gracious
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all creation, and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), his family and all his Companions.
Dear brothers and sisters, forced marriage is a marriage conducted when parents, families or guardians find and choose a spouse but the person does not consent or consent is obtained under duress.
Respected brothers and sisters, Islam treats men and women equally with regard to the right to choose a mate. It has not given parents the authority to compel them [to marry someone]. The parent’s role in marrying off their children is manifested in giving advice, direction, and guidance; they do not have the right to force their children, whether they are sons or daughters, to marry anyone they do not want to marry. The final say in this belongs to the children themselves.