Title: Repercussions of Court Marriage... Question: I am a girl married to a very reasonable person some year and a half ago. My parents were against this marriage and they tried each and every possible effort to stop us from entering into a contract. I am a well educated person of sane mind and I decided to marry this very person on the basis of his decency, intelligence and loving personality. My father was somewhat ready for it but my mother gave him an oath that he will never support me. After a period of three and a half months, and after the efforts by the elder's of my husband's family, we got married in the court. After that we got married the two of us with the elders of his family went to my parents and declared Nikah . My parents resisted this so much. After that when they got the registered copy of our Nikah they let me go with my husband. In this whole period my mother did not see my face. She took all the things from me that she ever made for me and did not give me a penny instead took every thing from me. I was allowed to take the things that I made for myself out of my salary. Quite a time has passed I see my father call him up, but they do not treat me like a child anymore. My question is that when there is a provision for court marriage in Islam for exceptional cases like this, Is it fair on the parent's part to deprive the child of any kind of part on the property or not, and Is it fair that they feel themselves as detached of their child and her responsibilities? FS Answer: It is extremely unfortunate that in the Eastern countries, generally, parents do not recognize the right of their children - whether boys or girls - to marry the person of their choice. As a consequence, if their child succeeds in getting married to the individual of his/her choice against their will the parents react in a most unwarranted manner and, in most of the cases, take extremely harsh steps. In my opinion, even though such actions of the parents as you have mentioned, are neither justified nor in keeping with their position, yet should be viewed purely as an emotional reaction to their child's decisions and actions. Under such circumstances, I would advise the children to take a more mature stance and try to bring their parents out of their uncalled for reaction through their continued and persistent love and affection. Through perseverance and persistence in their love, affection and respect, children can not only succeed in bringing their parents out of their reactions, but can also renew and strengthen the already strong bond that exists between parents and their children. Thus, even though I do not consider the referred actions of your parents to very prudent, I would still implore you as well as your husband to try your best in being 'good' to your parents and, thereby, not only win back their love for yourself in this world but also great rewards in the eternal life that follows. May the Lord help you in your endeavors. Regards, Moiz Amjad December 9, 2001