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Wali and guardians

The wali in a Muslim marriage

The wali is the guardian who looks after a bride's interests during the search for a spouse and at the nikah. Here is what the role involves and how to bring yours into the app.
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What a wali does

In most schools of Islamic law a woman's marriage needs the involvement of her wali, usually her father. The wali's job is to protect her interests, not to choose for her: the bride must still give her free consent.

  • Getting to know the potential spouse and their family.
  • Asking the questions that matter about faith, character and plans.
  • Agreeing the mahr and arrangements for the nikah.
  • Giving consent at the nikah ceremony itself.

How to invite your wali in the app

  1. Step 1

    Open Chaperone / Wali

    Find it in the app menu. Add your wali's name and email address.

  2. Step 2

    Choose your relationship

    Father, mother, brother, uncle, grandfather, imam or another guardian.

  3. Step 3

    They accept by email

    Once they accept, they can receive copies of the messages you send. Turn this off or remove them whenever you like.

Questions about the wali

Who can be a wali?

Traditionally the bride's father, then other male relatives on the father's side such as a grandfather, brother or uncle. Where there is no Muslim male relative, as is common for reverts, many scholars allow an imam or a trusted Muslim man to act as wali. Ask a scholar you trust about your own situation.

Does a man need a wali?

Most scholars say the wali is a requirement for the bride, not the groom. Many men still choose to involve a parent or guardian, and the app lets anyone invite one.

Is a wali needed in every school of thought?

The Hanafi school allows an adult woman to contract her own marriage, though involving family is still encouraged. The Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools require a wali for the bride.

What does my wali see on UK Muslim Marriage?

After they accept your invitation, they can receive an email copy of each message you send. Messages written by your matches are never shared with them. They do not get access to your account or payment details, and you can remove them at any time.

See our nikah guide for the full ceremony, or read about finding a wali as a revert.

Search with your wali involved

Create a free profile and invite your wali in a couple of taps.

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