A Fiqhi Examination of the Nullification of the Guardian's Consent in Cases of Unconventional Intercourse

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student and higher education lecturer

2 Instructor of Advanced Levels in Seminary

Abstract

In the marriage contract of a girl, the consent of the guardian (idhn al-walī) is a requisite condition. However, in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), there are circumstances under which this consent is nullified, such as the loss of virginity through conventional intercourse. A pertinent question arises regarding whether anal intercourse - termed "unconventional intercourse" - also nullifies the guardian's consent. From a legal perspective, given that civil law follows the principles of fiqh, conventional intercourse impacts the regulations concerning a girl's marriage in family law. However, just as this specific issue has not been thoroughly examined in Islamic jurisprudence, the legal criterion for unconventional intercourse has also not been established, and its determination is deferred to custom (‘urf) and religious law (shar‘). Through an analysis of the perspectives found in Imāmī jurisprudential texts, four foundational principles (usul al-fiqh mabānī) are identified, the application of which to this issue yields differing conclusions. Upon examining these four viewpoints, it can be concluded that in the case of unconventional intercourse, the guardian's consent is not nullified, based on all established principles.

Highlights

**Analysis and Synthesis**

Regarding the lexical understanding of *qurbah* (proximity, intercourse) and *wat'y* (coitus), while there is a broad application (*itlāq*) that encompasses both conventional (*mut'tāraf*) and unconventional (*ghayr mut'tāraf*) intercourse, the juristic understanding indicates that if we do not assert a specific contextual leaning (*insirāf*) towards conventional intercourse, at the very least there is ambiguity (*ijmāl*) concerning its inclusion of the unconventional type. Consequently, the criterion and measure [for legal judgment] is jurisprudential derivation and understanding. Therefore, one must refer to the jurisprudential principles (*mabānī fiqhīyah*) of the jurists.

From a legal perspective, while Article 1043 of the Civil Code stipulates that the marriage of a virgin girl is contingent upon the guardian's permission (*idhn al-walī*), it remains silent on the specific issue of unconventional relations, failing to define the criterion for what causes the loss of virginity and consequently the lapse of the guardian's permission. Some commentators on this law have sought to explain the criterion and clarify instances of loss of virginity (*thiyūbah*); however, these texts do not discuss anal intercourse (*dubur*), instead pointing to other examples. Yet, this specific case—due to the hymen remaining intact—is a prevalent societal issue and can be envisioned in two scenarios: sometimes as an illicit (*ghayr mashrū'*) pre-marital relationship, and sometimes as a licit (*mashrū'*) act occurring after a valid marriage contract between spouses.

However, applying the criterion stated by some legal scholars to the case of anal intercourse may reveal that the criterion for loss of virginity does not apply to a girl who has engaged in anal intercourse, because they have defined the criterion as "lawful intercourse" (*wat'y shar'ī*). On the other hand, based on the view of another group of legal scholars who have placed the determination of the criterion in the hands of custom (*'urf*) and the jurists (*fuqahā'*), custom cannot be a reliable criterion in this matter due to differing interpretations.

It appears that this issue falls outside the purview of legal interpreters. The second group, who delegate it to custom and religious law (*shar'*), are correct. However, the first group, who consider lawful intercourse as the criterion, if their view is derived from the jurisprudential principles of the jurists, is defensible; otherwise, their opinion cannot be authoritative.

In explaining the issue of the removal of virginity (*izālat al-bakārah*), intercourse (*muqārabah*), and coition (*āmīzish*), relying on common understanding (*fahm 'urfī*) is also problematic, as not every individual possesses a correct understanding of custom. Moreover, customary understanding itself is subject to disagreement and ambiguity. Therefore, it is necessary to refer to jurisprudential principles. If needed, the customary understanding of the jurist (*faqīh*) will be the criterion, and the issue will be clarified through the perspective of the jurists.

Considering the examination of the lexical, legal, and customary understandings of the issue, the authoritative reference and criterion for resolving it is to return to the principles and opinions of the jurists in this matter. Based on an investigation of the jurisprudential perspective grounded in the principles of the jurists, unconventional relations do not cause the lapse of the guardian's permission. The person is still considered a virgin (*bikr*) and must obtain the guardian's permission for the marriage contract. According to the stated principles, intercourse in the absolute sense (*mutlaqan*) is the cause for the removal of virginity. This term contextually leans towards conventional intercourse (vaginal coitus), and unconventional intercourse (anal coitus) falls outside this category and is not included.

As for a girl who has married, engaged in unconventional intercourse (anal coitus) with her lawful spouse before the removal of her virginity, and then separated from him, she is considered non-virgin (*thayyib*) only according to the fourth principle—the basis of Sayyid Yazdi (the fourth theory). For her subsequent marriage, she does not need the permission of her father or paternal grandfather. However, the reason for the lapse of the guardian's permission is not the occurrence of unconventional intercourse, but rather the fact that a valid marriage contract has taken place.

According to the other principles, this person remains characterized by virginity; therefore, the guardian's permission remains necessary for marriage. This is because, in these principles, the removal of the hymen occurs either through intercourse absolutely or only through lawful intercourse, and these conditions are not met through unconventional intercourse (anal coitus). If anal intercourse were intended, it would have to be stated in a qualified (*muqayyad*) manner.

Ultimately, based on jurisprudential principles, mere unconventional intercourse or relations cannot be a criterion for the lapse of the guardian's permission in marriage. Furthermore, one might hold that the non-lapse of the guardian's permission is closer to caution (*iḥtiyāṭ*).

Accordingly, if the legislator wishes to enact or amend the legal opinion in this area, in light of the jurisprudential principles and theories stated, the law could uphold the position that unconventional intercourse does **not** cause the lapse of the guardian's permission.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 30 September 2025

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