Marriage is a long-lasting relationship. One observation about our society is that a woman's consent is less prioritized for marriage. Is it legal that way? What is the provision of Islam about women's opinion before marriage?

It is essential to take a woman's opinion before marriage. If the wedding is consummated without the woman's consent, she will be able to enter into a marriage contract. Islam has a clear direction in this regard.

Whether she is unmarried, a divorcee, or a widow, it's necessary to take her permission before marriage. The guardian of the woman should take permission from her. It is not lawful to marry a woman against her will, regardless of her opinion.

Again, if a woman is given in marriage without her permission and consent, she can cancel her marriage contract if she wants. Women have the right to annul this marriage. The narration of several hadiths proves this.

Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said - Sayyibah (a divorced or widowed woman who has been married before) cannot be married without her consent and an unmarried woman cannot as well. They (the Companions) said, how can an unmarried girl be allowed for that? The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, 'It is permissible for her to remain silent.' (Bukhari and Muslim)

When a marriage proposal is made to a woman, she is often ashamed and keeps silent. This silence of women will be taken as consent. And if a woman does not agree to the proposal, she has the right to express her disapproval. If you do not like the proposal, it is better to report the matter directly according to Islamic custom.

- Hazrat Khansa Bint Khezam Ansari (Radiyallahu Anha) narrates that she was a married woman (who was married before). Her father gave her to marry again and without her permission. And she dislikes this marriage. So she took the matter to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and he (the Prophet) annulled her marriage. '(Bukhari)

In this regard, Hazrat Ayesha Radiyallahu Anha said, O Messenger of Allah! Indeed virgin girls are shy or shy. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, '(After receiving the offer of marriage) his silence is his consent.' "(Bukhari)

According to the Hadith, permission, opinion, or consent must be obtained before marrying a person who is to be married, whether unmarried or divorced or widowed. Otherwise, she can cancel the marriage later.

In Islam, it's not right a man and a woman marry one another against their will without the consent or permission of the man or woman. Instead, it conflicts with the provisions of the Qur'an. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"O you who have believed! It is not lawful for you to inherit women by force. And do not make difficulties for them to take back part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. And live with them in kindness. If you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing, and Allah makes therein much good. '(Surah An-Nisa 4:19).

Therefore, a believer of Islam should not apply any force to women's wealth or maharana. Similarly, no one can force a woman into marriage. Women's consent before marriage is a fundamental issue—an essential accompaniment to a happy marriage. So no one should be married without permission or consent. This matter can lead to marital discord and several problems.

If a girl wants to marry someone of her choice without the guardian's consent, and the parents do not agree to the marriage for logical reasons out of concern for the girl's welfare, then the girl cannot marry the man alone. According to the Hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said that if a girl marries someone without the guardian's permission, her marriage will be annulled. There are different opinions among the Imams in this regard. Someone said that this Hadith applies to minors. Adults can marry whoever they want. Someone said again; this is for all unmarried girls. This Hadith does not apply only to widows, divorcees and older adults. Unmarried girls will always marry according to the choice of their guardians. However, parents should not unjustly or unreasonably deny a girl's feelings. If possible, they can evaluate the girl's choice if it is appropriate.

May Allah grant the Muslim Ummah the Tawfiq to follow the Hadith.

Also, the guardian should ask for the girl's permission before finalizing the marriage. And provide us the tawfiq to follow the Sunnah of marriage properly.

And it is also said in Islam that ''And Among His signs is this he created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in peace and tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts) (Quran 30:21). So, we have to believe that we were made in pairs long before even we were born. The Prophet and his married life should be our pioneers to follow.

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