Two
Suitors Seeking to Marry the Same Girl
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The
Prophet (peace be upon him) disapproved of two persons
competing with one another to secure marriage with the
same girl. This is because such a situation is likely to
develop bitter enmity between two Muslim brothers.
The
Prophet said,
"A
believer is a brother of a believer. Hence it is not
lawful for him to bargain upon the bargain of a brother,
nor propose for (the hand of a girl) after the marriage
proposal of his brother, until the latter (voluntarily)
withdraws the proposal."
Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi'i, and Imam Malik, all hold
the view that it is a sin to put a proposal of marriage
against the proposal of another Muslim brother. However,
if a marriage is contracted in this wrongful way it will
be sufficient if the second suitor who was successful
seeks the forgiveness of the first suitor and of Allah.
But Imam Dhahiri considers such a marriage void. It is
respectfully submitted that the former view is more
rational and sound.