Leicester
Somali 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 3,394 residents born in Somalia in Leicester (0.9% of residents), about 5.0 times the England and Wales average of 0.2%. Of the 96 council areas we cover in England and Wales, it ranks 5th for this group. This counts people born in Somalia only, so British-born Somalis are not included and the community is larger than this figure.
86,443
Muslim residents
23%
of Leicester
3,394
born in Somalia
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
Somali marriage in the UK
Somali settlement in Britain dates back to the 19th century, with seamen establishing communities in port cities like Cardiff, Liverpool, and London. A major wave of migration occurred from the early 1990s as refugees fled the Somali civil war. The community has since grown substantially, with second and third generation British Somalis forging a distinct identity that blends Somali culture with British life.
Somali marriage customs typically involve the family-led proposal process, negotiation of Meher (mahr), and the Nikah ceremony often conducted at a mosque or community hall. The Aroos (wedding celebration) features traditional Somali music, poetry, and cuisine. British Somali families place strong emphasis on clan (Qabil) compatibility, though younger British Somalis increasingly prioritise personal compatibility and shared values over tribal affiliation.
Languages often spoken at home: English, Somali, Arabic.
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 Somali marriage in Leicester
How many Somali Muslims live in Leicester?
The 2021 Census counted 3,394 residents born in Somalia in Leicester, 0.9% of residents. This counts people born in Somalia only, so British-born Somalis are not included and the community is larger than this figure. The same Census recorded 86,443 Muslims in the area.
Is UK Muslim Marriage free for Somali 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 Somali Muslim families can stay involved from the first conversation.
Somali marriage in other cities
Other communities in Leicester
See also Muslim marriage in Leicester and Somali marriage across the UK.
Looking for a Somali spouse in Leicester?
Create a free profile in a few minutes. Every profile is reviewed, and your wali can be involved from day one.