As for the matter of her father-in-law having treated her badly, this is not permissible. The father-in-law must treat her kindly, all the more so because she is a newcomer, she is a Muslim, and her family are unbelievers. If she were to return to them, there is a real fear that they might turn her away from Islam. Therefore it is unlawful for her father-in-law to confront her in such an unseemly way; rather, he is obliged to honour her, keep her in a home close to his, and watch over her and the daughter who is with her. This is the duty of the father-in-law.

As for her living alone in a house without a husband, this is not advisable. We counsel her to marry so that she may enjoy protection, security, and peace of mind, and so that she will not need to return to the country she came from and face the danger of apostasy. We therefore advise her to marry, and in this case the marriage contract should be conducted by the sharʿī judge, for her father has no guardianship over her—he is an unbeliever while she is a Muslim.

Marriage Is Legislated When There Is Need
Question: Is there a specific age at which a young man or a young woman may marry? Is there any difference of opinion among the scholars regarding polygyny, and if so, what is it?

Answer: There is no fixed age for marriage. The matter depends on the need for it: whenever a young man or a young woman needs to marry, at any time, marriage is prescribed for them without setting an age limit. For this reason the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “O young people, whoever among you can afford to marry, let him do so, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and better safeguards the private parts.”