Title: Why do 'Sayyids' Not Marry Their Daughters To 'Non- Sayyids Question: Can you tell me whether there is any valid reason that ahl-e-bayts or Sayyeds cant marry their daughters outside Sayyeds or ahl-e-bayts . Is this a valid reason to reject a proposal from a guy who is not Sayyed and what could be the way out? Answer: The referred issue may be a preference or a tradition of a particular family, it is neither a religious tradition nor one promoted or even prompted by any Islamic teachings. In fact, I personally know a family, with a strong sense of pride of their lineage and of being Sayyids , who gave their daughter to a non- Sayyid person, ascribing to the Sunni way. As far as whether or not is the referred reason valid or strong enough for rejecting a proposal, would really depend upon the family taking the decision. Any reason can be considered valid by it. Nevertheless, if the family considers such restrictions to be a part of the Shari`ah , then they would not be correct in so considering. You ask: "What could be the way out?". I am afraid I am not qualified to answer this question. September 22, 2000