Arranged Marriages ~ Part1

Ok. This is probably going to be a topic I discuss a lot... I do apologise :).

Anyway, people need to see the MAJOR difference between a forced marriage, and an arranged marriage.

Lets turn to our lovely english dictionary:- (taken from dictionary.com)

Forced
–adjective
1.
enforced or compulsory: forced labor.
2.
strained, unnatural, or affected: a forced smile.
3.
subjected to force.
4.
required by circumstances; emergency: a forced landing of an airplane.

Ok, so we get the idea. Now let's look at the other one:-

Arranged
- verb
1.
to place in proper, desired, or convenient order; adjust properly: to arrange books on a shelf.
2.
to come to an agreement or understanding regarding: The two sides arranged the sale of the property.
3.
to prepare or plan: to arrange the details of a meeting.
4.
Music. to adapt (a composition) for a particular style of performance by voices or instruments. –5.
to make plans or preparations: They arranged for a conference on Wednesday.
6.
to make a settlement; come to an agreement: to arrange with the coal company for regular deliveries.

Well... I'd like to draw your attention to point number 2. "to come to an agreement or understanding". That involves both sides, right? Correct me if I'm wrong.

So, why do people insist on using the term "arranged marriage" to describe something which isn't an agreement?

Hmmm...

More on this. Next post will be looking at the Islamic perspective :)

Wsalaam

Khadijah xxx