She Want to Get Married, the Court Says “Nah”
In a drama that feels straight out of a soap‑opera, a Saudi woman found herself unable to tie the knot with the man she loves—because he can play the oud, a type of lute that’s given the “religiously unfit” stamp by the judges.
Why the Court is Bothered
- The kingdom’s ultra‑conservative rules demand that women get permission from a “guardian” (father, husband or male relative) for everything—from traveling to wed.
- In some corners of the country, a guy strumming a musical instrument is seen as “inferior status” and bad for his repute.
The Story
Two years ago, a teacher—apparently a smooth‑talking, oud‑loving guy—asked a 38‑year‑old bank manager from Qassim, north of Riyadh, to marry her. A note‑worthy drop‑off, but she turned him down.
- The family, not convinced, argued that the man wasn’t “religiously compatible” because of his music obsession.
- Despite the woman’s push, the lower court sided with the family: “Because he plays an instrument, he’s not a suitable match… religiously,” the judge said.
Not convinced? The appeals court’s decision was a firm “no‑no”—the verdict was final and binding.
She’s Taking it Further
The woman, still unnamed to protect her privacy, told the Okaz newspaper that she will “seek intervention from the highest authorities,” a subtle nod to the royal court. She’s basically saying “We’re not done yet!”
The Bank Manager’s Take
In an interview, the bank manager—a woman who holds a master’s degree and manages 300 employees—declared her fixture: “I’m determined to marry my suitor.” She painted her fiancé as very pious with a good reputation.
Does a Little “Freedom” Help?
Saudi Arabia, drawing praise as a U.S. ally, has rolled out reforms in the past year, like lifting the ban on women driving. But the male guardianship system remains a sticking point, allowing men to dictate decisions for their female relatives—something critics still flag as a hidden grab‑by‑hand.
While the country is pushing for modernization, events like this remind us that the old rules are still very much alive. For now, it’s just a “stage” playing out a sticky issue in the kingdom’s legal theater.
