Do You Need Your Father For Nikah in Islam? 

Marriage is a big and happy moment in life. In Islam, it is called Nikah, and it is not just a celebration — it’s a serious promise between a man and a woman to be husband and wife. But here’s a question many people ask: “Can a girl get married without her father being there?”

Well, the answer is not so simple. Some Islamic scholars say yes, and others say no. And the rules can change depending on the country you live in.

Let’s explore what different scholars say and what the law says in countries like the UAE, UK, and USA. We’ll break it down so it’s easy to understand!

What Does Islam Say About Marriage and the Father’s Role?

In Islam, a nikah should be done with love, respect, and clear agreement. It is also guided by Sharia law, which is the Islamic way of doing things.

One big part of Sharia marriage is the “wali.”
 

A wali is someone like the bride’s father or grandfather who helps with the marriage process and gives permission for it to happen.

But is the wali always needed?

Different Islamic schools (ways of thinking) give different answers. Let’s take a look!

1. Hanafi School (Imam Abu Hanifa)

What they say:
A grown-up Muslim woman (who is smart and knows what she’s doing) can do a nikah marriage on her own without her father’s or guardian’s permission.

Why?
Imam Abu Hanifa believed that if the woman is mature and the man is a good match, she can make her own choice for nikah.

Where this is followed:
This rule is followed in many parts of South Asia and by many Muslims in Western countries.

2. Maliki School (Imam Malik)

What they say:
The father or guardian must be there and approve the marriage (nikah).

Why?
They believe a woman, even if she’s an adult, needs help from her wali to make sure the marriage is right.

Where this is followed:
In North and West Africa and some parts of the UAE.

3. Shafi’i School (Imam Al-Shafi’i)

What they say:
You need a wali for the marriage (nikah) to be valid.

Why?
They follow hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) that say a marriage without a guardian is not accepted.

Where this is followed:
Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and East Africa.

4. Hanbali School (Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

What they say:
A wali is required, and he must approve the marriage (nikah).

Why?
This school also follows hadiths that stress the importance of the father or guardian in the marriage.

Where this is followed:
Saudi Arabia and parts of the UAE.

5. Ja’fari School (Shia Islam – Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq)

What they say:

• If the woman is a virgin, she needs her father’s or grandfather’s permission for nikah.
  
• If the woman has been married before (divorced or widowed), she can marry without a wali.
  

Why?
They believe women who have been married before are mature enough to choose on their own.

Where this is followed:
In Iran, Iraq, and among Shia Muslims.

What About Marriage Laws in the UAE?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) follows Islamic law, especially for Muslim marriages. But each city (or emirate) might do things a little differently.

Let’s look at a few examples:

1. Dubai

In Dubai, if a Muslim woman wants to get married, her father or male guardian (wali) must be there for the nikah.

• If her father is not around, the court may appoint someone else to act as her wali.
• If she is divorced or widowed, the court still decides if she needs a wali or not.

2. Sharjah

Sharjah follows very traditional Islamic rules.

• That means a wali must be present for the marriage.
• Even if the woman is an adult or has been married before, she can’t marry without her father or guardian.

3. Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is a little different. It has two systems:

• Muslims must follow Sharia rules, so a wali is needed.
  
• Non-Muslims can choose a civil marriage (like in Western countries), and the father does not need to be there.
  

What If You Live in a Non-Muslim Country Like the UK or the USA?

Now let’s talk about people living in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia. These places do not follow Islamic law for their national marriage rules.

So, what happens?

There are usually two types of marriages:

1. Islamic Marriage (Nikah at a Mosque)

If you do an Islamic Nikah in a mosque or with an imam, then yes, you usually need your father or a wali.

If your father can’t be there, a male guardian can be chosen by the imam.

2. Civil Marriage (By Government Law)

If you get married in a government office or with a civil judge, then you don’t need your father at all.
Civil law only cares if:

• You are old enough to marry.
  
• Both people agree to marry each other.
  

It does not matter what your religion says about a civil marriage.

So, Do You Need Your Father for a Sharia Marriage?

Final Message

Marriage in Islam is a big responsibility and a big blessing. Whether or not a father is required depends on the Islamic school, the country’s law, and whether it civil or religious marriage.

If you ever plan to get married, it’s important to ask a trusted scholar, imam, or lawyer to help you understand the right steps to follow.

Always remember — Islam teaches us to act with respect, kindness, and fairness. Whether it’s choosing a spouse or understanding the rules, take time to learn and make the right decision!