Arranged marriages, where the family plays a role in proposing or facilitating the introduction of potential spouses, are not mandatory in Islam. The validity of an Islamic marriage is contingent upon the willing consent of both the man and the woman.

It is strictly forbidden (haram) for a guardian (wali), such as a father or brother, to force a woman into a marriage with someone she does not want. Her consent is a prerequisite for the marriage contract to be valid. If a marriage is performed without her willing approval, it is considered invalid.

Shaykh Ibn Baz explained that the guardian's role is to act in the best interest of the woman under his care. If a suitable and righteous man proposes, the guardian should present the proposal to her. If she accepts, he marries her to him. If she refuses, it is not permissible for him to force her. The Shaykh emphasizes that she is the one who will be the wife, and therefore her opinion and consent are paramount.

This principle is established in the Sunnah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) explicitly gave a woman the right to have her marriage annulled when her father forced her into it against her will.

Therefore, while it is permissible and often encouraged for families to assist in finding a suitable spouse, this is a form of arrangement and facilitation, not compulsion. The final decision must belong to the couple themselves.