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Can My Stepfather Be My Wali in Islam?

08 December, 2024
Q Who should I consider as my Wali? My father left me 20 years ago and parents got divorced. We no longer contact each other. I’m a born Muslim and so are my parents. My mother remarried when I was 10 years old. I have a brother who is one year younger than me. Can my step dad be my wali or is my brother my wali?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


In this fatwa:

In Islam, the role of a wali is crucial for guiding a woman in her marriage decisions. If your biological father is absent, your stepfather or brother can act as your Wali, provided they meet the necessary criteria of good character and faith.


In responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

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In the absence of your father, your brother can represent you and give your hand in marriage. If you are an adult, you may choose either your stepfather or brother or anyone else to represent you.

Marriage in Islam is a partnership between a man and a woman based on free choice.  The role of a wali role is to guide you in your selection so that you don’t err because of your lack of experience.

So as long as you have chosen someone compatible (with good faith and character), you have a right to marry him. You may ask your stepfather or brother to represent you if your father is nowhere in the picture.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Source: www.askthescholar.com