The Method of Obtaining Permission for Nikah

Question

What is the proper way of obtaining permission from the bride? (2) How does the Shari‘a regard unrelated witnesses going into a gathering of women to obtain permission? (3) Here, two hours before the nikah, the girl’s guardian or a nominated agent (wakil) goes inside together with two witnesses, and the women harass them for two hours, and then make the girl say, “Say yes.” What is the ruling on this custom?

Answer

The guardian (the father) of an adult girl should himself inform the girl: “I am marrying you to such-and-such a young man for such-and-such a mahr,” and then wait long enough that, if the girl wishes to give any answer, yes or no, she can do so. He should not insist that she answer; rather, silence too is sufficient.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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