Is a Marriage Without a Wali Valid in Islam?
Question
Assalamu Alaikum. I want to know about marriage. I married a guy without my parents permission when i was 18 years old. At first my parents didn't accept that marriage. But after few years, they accepted it, but we didn't redo our marriage as my husband came to usa after 6 months of my marriage. Few days ago, i came to know that, without guardian, a girl can't marry and a marriage is not valid. Now i want to know, do i have to redo our marriage?
Islamic Ruling & Answer
VerifiedWalekumussalam,
According to the Hanafi school of Islamic law, if you were 18 years old (an adult), there were two witnesses present at the marriage, the mahr (dowry) was agreed upon, and your husband was a suitable match, then your marriage is valid even if it took place without a guardian (wali). There is no need to repeat the marriage.
Most other scholars hold the view that a marriage without a wali is not valid. However, in Hanafi jurisprudence, an adult woman has the right to contract her own marriage.
Since your parents later accepted the marriage, their approval has also been obtained afterward. If you wish, you may renew the marriage ceremony in a simple way for your parents' happiness and your own peace of mind, but according to the Hanafi school, this is not required; it is only optional and may be considered a good step.
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
May 31, 2026
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