Most-asked question

Can I marry without my parents' consent?

113 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 7 South African Darul Iftas (AskImam, Mufti Online, Jamiat KZN, Ibn Masood, Azaadville, Amjadi and others). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“In the absence of a close male family member to act as your Wali (guardian) it is permitted to appoint another as your Wakeel (representative) for your Nikah. Accordingly, it will be in order to appoint your mother’s sister’s husband to be your Wakeel. Two additional witnesses will be required in addition to the Wakeel.”

Jamiat KZN — Appointing a Wakeel for Nikah in the absence of a Wali · 10 Aug 2023

“In principle, an adult girl has an independent right to get married according to her wish. She does not require the consent of her Wali. If the Nikah was conducted in the presence of two male witnesses or one male and two female witnesses, then the Nikah will be valid”

AskImam — Nikah without a Wali · 19 Sep 2022

“1. In principle, the father of the bride should be appointed as the Wali.[Re: Fataawa Uthmaaniyah Vol.5 Pg.193 Vol.4] 2. Any person may be appointed as a witness as long as he is Muslim, mature, free (not a slave) and of understanding (not insane).”

Ibn Masood — Wali of a bride · 2 May 2024

“The wali of the Mayyit will be the father (except in the case where the son is more knowledgeable than the father). In the absence of the father, the son will be the wali. Thereafter, the male descendants of the mayyit in sequence e.g. grandson, great grandson and so on.”

Mufti Online — Who is the wali of the mayyit · 8 Apr 2013

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Nikaah of Female Without A Wali Present Ibn Masood · 12 Jul 2024
  2. Getting married without a wali Mufti Online · 30 Jan 2024
  3. Appointing a Wakeel for Nikah in the absence of a Wali Jamiat KZN · 10 Aug 2023
  4. Nikah without a Wali AskImam · 19 Sep 2022
  5. Wali (Representative) Of The Bride Azaadville · 24 Feb 2022
  6. THIS FOOT OF MINE IS ON THE NECK OF EVERY WALI Amjadi · 16 Nov 2021
  7. Is Nikāḥ Valid Without a Wali? MJC · 3 Jun 2025
  8. Wali of a bride Ibn Masood · 2 May 2024
  9. Calling someone a wali Mufti Online · 7 Aug 2023
  10. Is Hajj Fardh on the Wali of a woman who has the financial means? Jamiat KZN · 24 Jun 2019
  11. Do I have the right to get married without the consent of my wali? AskImam · 2 Jun 2020
  12. Getting Married Without The Permission Of The Wali Azaadville · 6 May 2021
  13. Marriage Without The Father’s Consent Ibn Masood · 8 Aug 2024
  14. Asking a deceased wali to make dua for oneself Mufti Online · 7 Aug 2023
  15. Who is the wali of the mayyit Mufti Online · 8 Apr 2013

Search more fatawa on this Marriage topic Compare Darul Iftas