London
Shia marriage in London
London in numbers
London had 1,318,754 Muslim residents at the 2021 Census, 15% of everyone living there. That is about 2.3 times the England and Wales average of 6.5%.
1,318,754
Muslim residents
15%
of London
8,799,725
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 London
London is home to over 1.3 million Muslims, making it one of the largest Muslim cities in Western Europe. The capital's Muslims come from more than 70 national backgrounds. Tower Hamlets has the highest Muslim population proportion of any London borough at 39.9%, followed by Newham at 34.8%.
Mosques in London
- East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre
- London Central Mosque (Regent's Park)
- Baitul Futuh Mosque (Morden)
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 London
- 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 London 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 London
How many Shia Muslims live in London?
The 2021 Census recorded 1,318,754 Muslims in London, 15% of residents, about 2.3 times the England and Wales average of 6.5%.
Is UK Muslim Marriage free for Shia Muslim singles in London?
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 London
See also Muslim marriage in London and Shia marriage across the UK.
Looking for a Shia spouse in London?
Create a free profile in a few minutes. Every profile is reviewed, and your wali can be involved from day one.