Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: A widow should not be married until her permission is sought, and a virgin should not be married until her consent is obtained. The Companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah, how will a virgin give her permission?" The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Her silence is her permission. (This silence will be considered her consent.)

Narrated by Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): I asked, "O Messenger of Allah, should women be asked for their consent regarding their marriage?" The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Yes." I said, "But if a virgin girl is asked for her consent, she may remain silent out of shyness?" The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Her silence is her consent."