Is it permissible for the guardian (*wali*) to retract an acceptance given for marriage?
Chapter on What is Prohibited to Marry and Combining Between Them and Other Matters
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
It is not disliked for the guardian to retract his acceptance of a marriage proposal if he perceives a benefit (*maslaha*) in doing so. This is because the right belongs to the woman, and the guardian acts as her representative in supervising her affairs. Therefore, his retraction, when done for what he deems beneficial, is not disliked, similar to when he negotiates the sale of her house and then realizes it is better not to sell it.