Leicester
Shia 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%.
86,443
Muslim residents
23%
of Leicester
368,571
residents in total
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
Shia marriage in the UK
Shia Muslims in Britain come from diverse national backgrounds including Iraqi, Iranian, Lebanese, Pakistani (particularly from Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Punjab), Bahraini, and Hazara Afghan communities. Many Shia Muslims arrived after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and during the wars in Iraq. London's Shia community is centred around institutions like the Islamic Centre of England in Maida Vale, while Manchester, Birmingham, and Leicester also have established Shia populations.
Shia Muslim marriage follows the Ja'fari jurisprudence, which differs from Sunni practice in some areas. The Aqd (marriage contract) is central, and Mut'ah (temporary marriage) is permitted in Ja'fari fiqh though views on its practice vary among British Shia communities. The celebration of Muharram and Arba'een can influence wedding timing, as weddings are typically avoided during mourning periods. Family involvement, Mehr negotiations, and the blessing of the marriage by a Shia scholar are important elements.
Languages often spoken at home: English, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu.
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 Shia marriage in Leicester
How many Shia Muslims live in Leicester?
The 2021 Census recorded 86,443 Muslims in Leicester, 23% of residents, about 3.6 times the England and Wales average of 6.5%.
Is UK Muslim Marriage free for Shia 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 Shia Muslim families can stay involved from the first conversation.
Shia marriage in other cities
Other communities in Leicester
See also Muslim marriage in Leicester and Shia marriage across the UK.
Looking for a Shia spouse in Leicester?
Create a free profile in a few minutes. Every profile is reviewed, and your wali can be involved from day one.