a) What is the minimum age when a girl can marry a guy on her own without letting her family know about it? b) If a girl of age less than the minimum age marries someone by lying about her age, what is the status of validity of nikkah?
Answer
1. If a girl has attained puberty, she is regarded as adult. She has an independent right to marry a person of her choice. This does not man she should not consult with her seniors. In order to make an appropriate choice in marriage, one requires wisdom, experience and insight.
2. If a girl married before puberty, her marriage will be invalid until her father approves of the Nikah.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai