Prophet of Women

Abdullah ibn Abbas narrates: A young woman came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) and she said: “Oh Prophet of Allah! My father has married me to his nephew, to increase his own position, and I dislike it.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) replied: “Affirm what your father has done.” She replied: “I do not want to.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) replied: “Then go and marry whoever you wish.” She then said: “I don’t really dislike it oh Messenger of Allah, but I wanted women to know that fathers do not have a choice in the affairs of their daughters.”
[Daraqutni & Tabarani]

The lessons from this hadith:

1. When the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said, “confirm what your father has done” – he shows that the marriage contract has not gone through, and she is the one with the authority to affirm it, not the father.
2. After her statement at the end – highlighting that a father’s role is not to decide his daughter's affairs – the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) does not criticise his companion. If she was incorrect in her understanding and words, he (peace and blessings upon him) would have corrected her. However, he remains silent – which is approval in matters of religion.
3. When the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said: “marry whoever you wish” – he has given the woman absolute authority.

[From Ikhtiyar li-Ta'leel al-Mukhtar (hanafi fiqh book) of Imam Muwsili, in the section of Nikah (marriage).]

I love this companion (may Allah be pleased with her) - she has such beautiful concern for womankind. And I love my Prophet (endless peace and blessings upon him), because he heals every broken heart. Allah join us with the highest company.