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A lot of times we hear in the society that Muslim women are the oppressed ones who do not have a take in important decisions. It is very common to be humiliated on the grounds that we are made to leave a suffocated life when all the fun is enjoyed by men.
To this, let us highlight the power and status given to Muslim brides in Islam. After that we can ask our counterparts if they still think that Islam tries to suppress the rights of Muslim women.
Being one of the two individuals involved in the contract of Nikah, the bride has the right to have a say in regard to the partner with whom she is going to be associated with in a lifelong relationship.
Allah’s Messenger, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said,
“Take the women’s permission in regard to their private parts.”
[as-Sahihah no. 398]
This Hadith clearly states that the decision regarding the chastity and soul of a woman should not be taken without her consent. Prior permission is the necessary ground which cannot be ignored for rightfully completing the Nikah.
In another Hadith, Allah’s Messenger, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said,
“When one of you wants to give his daughter in marriage, he should take her permission.”
[as-Sahihah no. 1206]
Such is the importance of bride’s permission. If the parents or the guardians who take the responsibility of the woman’s Nikah, do not take her permission, then such a marriage contract is considered to be null and void. In such cases, it might even be invalidated by various Islamic authorities depending if the bride requests for any action.
Bride’s situation also needs to be considered. The mode of her permission might vary from being fully vocal and assertive to being passive and compliant with her wali’s decision.
