MARRIAGE, CONSENT, AND AUTONOMY: LEGAL AND SOCIAL REALITIES FOR MUSLIM WOMEN IN PAKISTAN AND THE UK

Abstract

This article explores the interplay of marriage, consent, and autonomy within the legal and socio-cultural frameworks affecting Muslim women in Pakistan and the United Kingdom. While Islamic jurisprudence upholds consent as a fundamental component of marriage, cultural practices and legal interpretations often obscure or override this principle. In Pakistan, patriarchal norms and societal expectations frequently undermine women's agency, whereas in the UK, Muslim women encounter the dual challenge of navigating both secular legal systems and faith-based arbitration forums such as Sharia councils. Drawing on comparative legal analysis and qualitative data, the study examines how Muslim women assert their rights within these systems and the extent to which their autonomy is recognized or restricted. The research highlights structural and interpretive barriers, suggesting reforms rooted in both Islamic principles and human rights frameworks. Ultimately, the article seeks to bridge religious authenticity with gender justice in both Muslim-majority and minority contexts.