RIYADH: A Saudi woman has lost a judicial battle to marry the man of her choice as a court deemed him "religiously" unfit because he plays a musical instrument, a Saudi newspaper reported on Tuesday.
The ultra-conservative kingdom requires women to seek permission from male "guardians" -- their fathers, husbands or other male relatives -- to travel, get married and other tasks. In some parts of the kingdom, a man who plays a musical instrument is considered of inferior status and having a bad reputation.
Two years ago the suitor, a teacher, asked for the hand of the woman, a 38-year-old bank manager from the ultra-conservative region of Qassim, north of the capital Riyadh, Okaz newspaper said.
But her family objected, saying he was not "religiously compatible" with her because he played the oud, the oriental lute which is popular across the Arab world. The woman, who was not named, took her case to the courts.
A lower court weighed in on the side of the family, saying the marriage could not go through. "Because the suitor plays a musical instrument he is unsuitable for the woman from a religious point of view," the court said, according to Okaz.
The woman told Okaz she will seek intervention from the country’s "highest authorities" -- a reference to the royal court. The bank manager, who holds a masters degree and is responsible for more than 300 employees, said she was determined to marry her suitor, describing him as "very pious and with a good reputation".
Saudi Arabia, a major US ally, has introduced a string of reforms over the past year aimed at improving the kingdom’s image, including ending a longstanding ban on women driving.
Donald Trump, left, and President Joe Biden during the final presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville,...
The Pentagon building in Arlington County, Virginia. — AFP FileWASHINGTON: The Pentagon on Thursday acknowledged in...
Representational image of flags of France and Japan. — APP FilePARIS: France and Japan agreed on Thursday to start...
Donald Trump. — AFP FileWASHINGTON: Donald Trump said he may not accept the 2024 election results in Wisconsin, a...
Britain's former Chancellor to the Exchequer Rishi Sunak reacts as he answers questions while taking part in a...