Marrying the Daughter of a Woman with Whom Zina Was Committed

Question

A young man had intercourse with a woman, which was unlawful. Now this woman’s daughter is grown up, and all the relatives of the girl and of the young man want to marry her to that same young man who had intercourse with the girl’s mother. In this situation the young man cannot refuse, because if he refuses his word carries no weight, and by refusing one family tie will be completely severed. Everyone tells the young man that he should have no objection to marrying this girl, because she is suitable for him.

Answer

If he cannot tell his father plainly, let him tell the whole matter to some senior scholar, and that scholar should summon his father and tell him: “According to the Shari‘a this nikah is not valid. If this nikah is performed, it will be sin and unlawful intercourse. Do not ask for the details. Call off this nikah and arrange a nikah elsewhere.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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