Marrying without the consent of one’s father

The biological father is the guardian of his daughter and she should, therefore, take the consent of her father before solemnizing the marriage. If a Baaligh daughter gets married without the consent of her father, then the Nikah will be valid, but the father is entitled to annul the marriage if there is no compatibility between the spouses. This means that, if the father finds his daughter to be a Deeni person (for example), and the boy to be an open violator of the Shariah, then he may have the marriage annulled on the basis of incompatibility between the spouses. This is the danger of getting married without the consent of the Wali (guardian.) Also, as a daughter she should take the Duas of her father which will always benefit her in life.

We, therefore, advise that she informs her father of her intention and takes his blessing, even though he may have not been the best father. She may also inform him that she will be appointing her mother’s brother to represent her at the marriage ceremony when Nikah will be performed. At the same time, she should earnestly turn to Allah Ta’ala, beseeching Him to protect her from all harm and, she should discharge some Sadaqah daily. By doing so, there is hope that she will be successful in all her matters Insha’Allah.

In conclusion, the validity of the Nikah is dependent on the permission of the father in the Hanafi Madhab, but she should seek his consent and thereby acquire his blessings before marriage.