Consent to Nikah under Coercion

Question

One Rahat al-Nisa' had gone to her paternal aunt's house. Some people arrived there and said to the girl, "Your father is calling you to such-and-such a place." The girl went with them. On the way, in a forest, these people said to the girl, "Declare that your marriage contract has been concluded with so-and-so." And, showing a weapon, they said, "If you do not declare it, you will be finished off." Out of fear for her life the girl said yes, and the contract was concluded.

Answer

A very great wrong has been done to the girl. All the people who did this have become grave sinners. Despite this, this nikah was concluded. Let the girl be patient and wait to see what retribution befalls the wrongdoers. If she cannot bear it, then let her somehow obtain a talaq by entreaty and by forgoing the mahr.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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