Leicester
African marriage in Leicester
Leicester in numbers
Leicester had 86,443 Muslim residents at the 2021 Census, 23% of everyone living there. That is about 3.6 times the England and Wales average of 6.5%.
The Census also counted 21,536 Black African residents in Leicester (5.8% of residents), about 2.3 times the England and Wales average of 2.5%. Of the 96 council areas we cover in England and Wales, it ranks 6th for this group. This counts Black African residents of every faith, including Somali, Nigerian, Sudanese and other heritages.
86,443
Muslim residents
23%
of Leicester
21,536
Black African residents
3
mosques listed below
Source: ONS Census 2021 (tables TS030 religion, TS021 ethnic group and TS012 country of birth), usual residents.
Muslim life in Leicester
Leicester has one of the most diverse Muslim communities in the UK, with large Gujarati Indian, Pakistani, Somali, and Bangladeshi populations. The city's Jame Masjid on the site of the old Conduit Street swimming baths is one of the largest mosques in Europe. Evington Road is known for its halal restaurants. Leicester was the first city in England where less than half the population identified as White British.
Mosques in Leicester
- Jame Masjid Leicester (one of the largest in the UK)
- Masjid Umar (Evington)
- Leicester Central Mosque
Areas with large Muslim communities
African marriage in the UK
African Muslims in Britain come from diverse backgrounds including Nigerian, Ghanaian, Sudanese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Sierra Leonean, and East African communities. Nigerian Muslims are the largest group, many of them Yoruba or Hausa. Migration has occurred across decades for education, professional opportunities, and as refugees. London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leicester have the largest African Muslim communities.
African Muslim marriage customs vary greatly by national and ethnic origin. Nigerian Yoruba Muslim weddings include the Engagement (Itoro), Introduction ceremony, and Nikah. Sudanese weddings feature the Jirtig (bridal dance) and elaborate henna ceremonies. Common threads include strong family involvement, community celebration, cultural dress, and the Nikah ceremony. Many British African Muslim families combine Islamic requirements with their own cultural wedding traditions.
Languages often spoken at home: English, Yoruba, Hausa, Arabic, Amharic, Tigrinya, French.
How it works in Leicester
- Step 1
Create a free profile
Tell us about your faith, family and what you want in a spouse. You must be 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Step 2
Find people near you
Set your filters to Leicester or the wider area, plus sect and background, then send a like or a short compliment.
- Step 3
Talk with your wali involved
Chat opens once they accept. Invite your wali to get copies of the messages you send, and report or block anyone in one tap.
Questions about African marriage in Leicester
How many African Muslims live in Leicester?
The 2021 Census counted 21,536 Black African residents in Leicester, 5.8% of residents. This counts Black African residents of every faith, including Somali, Nigerian, Sudanese and other heritages. The same Census recorded 86,443 Muslims in the area.
Is UK Muslim Marriage free for African Muslim singles in Leicester?
Joining is free and you can browse, like and chat with matches without paying. Optional Silver, Gold and Diamond memberships start at 99p a week and give you more likes, compliments and profile boosts. Memberships renew until you cancel, and you can cancel any time in the app.
How are profiles checked?
Our team reviews every new profile and photo before other members can see it. Members can also upload a UK photo ID and a selfie, which we check by hand, to get a Verified badge. You can report or block anyone from their profile or your chat.
Can my wali or parents be involved?
Yes. You can invite your wali, a parent or another guardian from the app. If you choose, they get an email copy of each message you send, so African Muslim families can stay involved from the first conversation.
African marriage in other cities
Other communities in Leicester
See also Muslim marriage in Leicester and African marriage across the UK.
Looking for a African spouse in Leicester?
Create a free profile in a few minutes. Every profile is reviewed, and your wali can be involved from day one.