Shortened Question:
Can a Sayyed marry a non-Sayyed?
Question:
What is the link between a Sayyed and Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi wa Sallam?
I am not a Sayyed, but the girl that I want to marry is a Sayyed and this is causing complications. Is it permissible for us to get married?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Hadrat Ali Radiallaho Anhu was the cousin of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi wa Salam. Hadrat Ali Radiallaho Anhu was married to Hadrat Fatima Radiallaho Anha who was the daughter of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi wa Salam. The progeny of Hadrat Ali Radiallaho Anhu and Hadrat Fatima Radiallaho Anha are called Sayyeds. The progeny of Hadrat Ali Radiallaho Anhu and his other wives are called Alawis.(Bahishti Zewar Vol. 1 Pg. 365.)
Shariah emphasizes in ensuring that nikah takes place with persons who are compatible with each other in order for a marriage to be successful. Spouses of different backgrounds and non-compatibility can lead to a breakdown in the marriage. The following are areas of consideration for compatibility in a marriage according to the Hanafi school of thought:
(i) Lineage (ii) Deen (iii) piety (iv) wealth (v) occupation (Bahishti Zewar Vol. 1 Pg. 441)
The Fuqaha have ruled that a Syed is of the highest lineage. A Syed woman cannot marry a non-Syed man, without the consent of the family guardian. If a Syed woman marries a man from a different lineage without the consent of the guardian, the guardian will have the right to annul the marriage if he deems it necessary.
In your case you should confirm whether the girl is a Syed as explained above. It is possible that some people referred to themselves as Syeds whereas they are not. If it is confirmed that the girl is in fact a Syed them you need the consent of the family to marry her.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Saeed Ahmed Golaub
Islamic Solutions
Jamaica