Can a Muslim woman marry without her father's permission?

A Muslim woman cannot marry without her wali's (father's) permission, but her father cannot block or force her either. If the father refuses without a valid Islamic reason, guardianship passes to the next male relative, brother, uncle, or grandfather. If all refuse unjustly, a mosque imam becomes her wali. Hanafi exception: A sane, adult woman's nikah is valid without a wali if the husband is a suitable match (kafā'a). Her consent is always mandatory. A nikah forced without her agreement is invalid, regardless of who approves it.