My cousin proposed to me and the whole family accepted him, but I rejected him because I did not like him. There were punishments against me such as refusing to receive anyone who wants to marry me. I knew someone at work whom I feel to be suitable for me. I want him to propose to me, but I do not know what to do. I fear that they may reject him, and then I would lose him although I want to marry him.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

It is impermissible for the girl’s family to refrain from receiving suitors. This is included under the unlawful prevention of women from marriage. If an efficient man in terms of religion and morals proposes to a girl, it is impermissible to reject him without a good reason.

You should be keen on marrying a religious man of good morals. You should follow your family’s opinion because they are keen on your interest and are more experienced than you. The family’s rejection of a suitor, even if without a reason, does not permit establishing a relation with a non-Mahram man at work or in any other place, even if for the sake of marriage. You should tell him that he has to propose to you by going to your family.

You have the right to submit your case to the Sharee‘ah judge in order to marry you off if your guardian prevents you from marrying a suitable person.

Allaah Knows best.