Leicester
South East Asian 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
South East Asian marriage in the UK
South East Asian Muslims in Britain predominantly originate from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with many arriving as students, professionals, and through family migration. Malaysian and Indonesian students have been coming to UK universities since the 1960s, with some choosing to settle permanently. The community is dispersed across London, university cities, and increasingly in the Midlands and North.
South East Asian Muslim marriage customs reflect a blend of Islamic and regional traditions. Malay weddings include the Merisik (initial inquiry), Meminang (formal proposal), Akad Nikah (marriage contract), and Bersanding (sitting-in-state ceremony). Indonesian weddings may include Javanese, Sundanese, or other cultural elements alongside the Islamic ceremony. Family approval and community involvement are essential in all traditions.
Languages often spoken at home: English, Malay, Indonesian, Tagalog.
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 South East Asian marriage in Leicester
How many South East Asian 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 South East Asian 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 South East Asian Muslim families can stay involved from the first conversation.
South East Asian marriage in other cities
Other communities in Leicester
See also Muslim marriage in Leicester and South East Asian marriage across the UK.
Looking for a South East Asian spouse in Leicester?
Create a free profile in a few minutes. Every profile is reviewed, and your wali can be involved from day one.