A Saudi woman has lost a judicial battle to marry the man of her choice after a court ruled him out on religious grounds because he plays a musical instrument.
In some parts of the kingdom, a man who plays a musical instrument is considered to be of inferior status.
The couple live in the ultra-conservative region of Qassim, north of the capital Riyadh. Two years ago the suitor, who is a teacher, asked for the hand of a 38-year-old woman bank manager, the Saudi newspaper Okaz said on Tuesday.
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.
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.
As Saudi women cannot legally marry without the consent of their male guardians, the unnamed couple took their case to the courts.
Women to seek permission from male 'guardians' - their fathers, husbands or other male relatives - to travel, speak to unrelated men and perform other tasks.
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.
An appeals court ratified the verdict, making it final, the newspaper added.
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'.
The story came to light after lawyer Abdul Rahman Al Lahim shared a video of himself discussing the couple's plight on Snapchat, Stepfeed reported.
In some parts of the kingdom, a man who plays a musical instrument is considered to be of inferior status.
The couple live in the ultra-conservative region of Qassim, north of the capital Riyadh. Two years ago the suitor, who is a teacher, asked for the hand of a 38-year-old woman bank manager, the Saudi newspaper Okaz said on Tuesday.
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.
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.
As Saudi women cannot legally marry without the consent of their male guardians, the unnamed couple took their case to the courts.
Women to seek permission from male 'guardians' - their fathers, husbands or other male relatives - to travel, speak to unrelated men and perform other tasks.
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.
An appeals court ratified the verdict, making it final, the newspaper added.
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'.
The story came to light after lawyer Abdul Rahman Al Lahim shared a video of himself discussing the couple's plight on Snapchat, Stepfeed reported.
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