Title: Is a Girl Free to Have her Way in Life? Question: I am asking this question on behalf of my friend. She is being pressurized by her family to get married while she wants to go abroad for higher studies. I know that she is a very obedient daughter and she has never done anything against her family's will. Now she says that she has had enough and can't tolerate any more. She wants to lead her life according to her own free will. What she wants to know is that by any standards of morality and ethics is it wrong what she wants to do. If she goes abroad against her family's will, is it "RIGHT". By the way, also define what is "RIGHT" and what is "WRONG". I will be highly obliged if you reply in the shortest possible time and if it is kept confidential. Answer: A girl is free to make her choice regarding whether she wants to get married or not, but due to the status of parents and the obedience that the Qur'an has directed to show to them, the matter requires extreme care in handling. The best solution would be that the girl should try to persuade her parents through whatever way that is possible, so that without violating any Qur'anic injunctions in this regard and without becoming a source of embarrassment or disrespect for the parents, she should have her way. On the other hand, the parents should also show some empathy toward their daughter. They should keep in mind that their daughter has all the right in the world to have her way in marriage. As far as the distinctive criterion between right and wrong is concerned, it would really depend on the nature of the issue in which "right" and "wrong" is being determined. The knowledge of the criteria for the general moral and ethical "rights" and "wrongs" is inherent in all human beings. On the other hand, the criteria for the "rights" and "wrongs" prescribed by the Shari`ah is the final revelation of God - the Qur'an. I hope this explanation answers your question. You can always get back if you are still unclear. May Allah guide us all towards the right path. Note : This response is written by Mr. Amar Ellahi Lone