Marriage

Salam,

Like Nausheen sugestion becasue she is widow, there is nothing debatable, so go for it. And congratulations, may Allah give you happiness and bless your marriage.

Salam alakum to the brother (namesdontmatter),

I am also a revert (convert), and I wanted to give you an answer and a general comment to your question.

FIRST- In matter of Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), it is very important to NOT depend on the advice of fellow Muslims (even if they are knowledgable. These matter require a specialist (i.e. a qualified Alim)

There are two major schools of Islamic jurisprudence, Sunni and Shia. One this issues (i.e. permanent marriage), there is not alot of disagreement. My Sunni brothers (and sisters) can correct me if I'm incorrect. Here is the Fatwa (ruling) of Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, a respected Islamic Scholar (and now world famous, since the Iraq invastion) on this issue from his website. Here is the direct link to this section; http://www.sistani.org/html/eng/main/index.php?page=3&la ng=ara&part=1

HERE IS THE RELEVANT FATWA

"2386. In the following situations, it will not be necessary for a woman to seek the permission of her father or paternal grandfather, before getting married:

1. If she is not a virgin.
2. If she is a virgin, but her father or paternal grandfather refuse to grant permission to her for marrying a man who is compatible to her in the eyes of Shariah, as well as custom.
3. If the father and the grandfather are not in any way willing to participate in the marriage.
4. If they are not in a capacity to give their consent, like in the case of mental illness etc.
5. If it is not possible to obtain their permission because of their absence, or such other reasons, and the woman is eager to get married urgently. "

Marriage is made easy in Islam, and is a mercy from Allah (s.w.a) for us.

Salam

Peace to all.

Nausheen,i would like to say that my conviction was same as yours,but then i came a scholar who told me that whichever way,the lady must seek permission from the father/brother,uncle or any male in that line,whether she is a virgin or not.

So its better for our brother here to find out more from the imam as you said before he does anything.What i mean is that theres ikhtilaf concerning the consent of the non-virgin woman in regards to marriage.

peace

Aus