Wali
ولي
Pronunciation: WAH-lee
The bride's marriage guardian — typically her father or closest male relative — required for a valid nikah in most madhhabs.
Definition
The marriage guardian of the bride in Islamic law — typically her father, then her closest adult male agnate relative. The wali represents the bride in the nikah contract negotiations and consents to the marriage on her behalf in the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali madhhabs.
The Hanafi school permits an adult woman to contract her own marriage without a wali, provided the groom is of suitable status (kafa'a). The wali's role is protective — to ensure the bride is not coerced and that the marriage is to her benefit, including a fair mahr.
Related Terms
Nikahنكاح
The Islamic marriage contract — verbal or written, requiring offer, acceptance, and witnesses.
Mahrمهر
The obligatory bridal gift in Islamic marriage — a financial right of the wife, due from the husband.
Kafa'aكفاءة
Compatibility or suitability between spouses considered in an Islamic marriage match.
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Wali (ولي) — The bride's marriage guardian — typically her father or closest male relative — required for a valid nikah in most madhhabs. The marriage guardian of the bride in Islamic law — typically her father, then her closest adult male agnate relative. The wali represents the bride in the nikah contract negotiations and consents to the marriage on her behalf in the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali madhhabs.
- The bride's marriage guardian — typically her father or closest male relative — required for a valid nikah in most madhhabs.
- Category: Contracts
- Related: Nikah, Mahr, Kafa'a
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-01
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